Bishop Tobin of Providence Reacts to Passage of Marriage Redefinition in Rhode Island
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of Providence released the following statement following the passage of marriage redefinition in Rhode Island yesterday, May 2, and its signing into law by Governor Lincoln Chafee.
“Since the legislative approval of “same-sex marriage” in Rhode Island, a number of people have requested that I offer some guidance on this development. It is for that purpose that I write at this time. In particular I wish to invite members of the Catholic Church in Rhode Island to a moment of prayer and reflection as we respond to this new challenge of the post-Christian era into which, clearly, we have now entered.
“First, like many others, I am profoundly disappointed that Rhode Island has approved legislation that seeks to legitimize ‘same-sex marriage.’ The Catholic Church has fought very hard to oppose this immoral and unnecessary proposition, and we are most grateful to all those who have courageously joined us in this effort. When all is said and done, however, we know that God will be the final judge of our actions.”
Read the rest of Bishop Tobin’s statement.
Read how the Diocese of Providence is promoting and defending marriage – a task that continues.
Archive
Defense of Marriage in Rhode Island: Helpful Web Resource
A great webpage from the Diocese of Providence: “Protecting Marriage in Rhode Island.”
Resources include columns by Bishop Thomas Tobin:
And articles by others:
- “Marriage should be strengthened, not redefined” (Fr. John A. Kiley)
- “Civil unions are not the answer” (Rhode Island Catholic editorial)
There is a link for Rhode Islanders to contact their state representative and urge them to protect marriage: “Let’s Fix the Economy and Protect, Not Redefine, Marriage”
(Rhode Island is facing a legislative challenge to marriage, and on Wednesday April 24, the State Senate voted in favor of a bill that would redefine marriage to include persons of the same sex. The bill goes back to the House for a vote, and is expected to be sent to the governor for his signature. Pray for Rhode Island!)