Harmful Language

By Scott Fabean
Post Gazette
June 08, 2019

https://bit.ly/2Z9LetA

Diocese of Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin said in a recent tweet “that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ ‘Pride Month’ events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals. They are especially harmful for children” (June 4 online, “R.I. Bishop Tobin’s Stance Against Pride Month Spurs Criticism”).

He added that his “obligation before God is to lead the faithful entrusted to my care and to teach the faith, clearly and compassionately.”

Did Bishop Tobin speak out “clearly” when his own all-male brother bishops and cardinals were preserving their clerical power structure by moving around pedophile priests? His silence and that of others in his feckless fraternity was and is especially harmful to children. In fact, they violently tormented thousands of children. But he still enjoys the trappings of false institutional power in misleading the faithful. Their own sense about sexuality diverges significantly from the tone-deaf rantings of leaders like Bishop Tobin.

Comparing the love I have witnessed in the LGBTQ community with the abuses of power among the bishops, I have no doubt who better exhibits the “Catholic faith and morals.”

Jesus rebuked the hierarchy of his time as shown in Matthew 23: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices — mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness.” Before feeling a need to lead the faithful, Bishop Tobin should lead himself and his brother bishops in repenting for the church’s sins of complicity and silence. The spirit of God can lead the faithful just fine, thank you. And they wonder why the pews are emptying.