BEAUMONT (TX)
Beaumont Enterprise
August 16, 2020
By Monique Batson
Many would say the work of God brought Bishop-elect David L. Toups to Southeast Texas.
But it was the word of God that confirmed the move for the Gulf Coast native set to be ordained Friday as the sixth bishop to lead the Diocese of Beaumont.
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“I’ve been all over,” he said. “I’ve had a varied experience as a priest — a broadening experience working for a national church, a regional church and working on the ground level training future priests.”
It’s that experience, he believes that will help him handle issues faced in recent years by the Catholic Church.
In early 2019, the denomination was rocked by scandal when it released a list of priests credibly accused of having been involved in the molestation of children and young adults.
Of the 286 living and deceased priests named in Texas, 13 were with the Diocese of Beaumont.
“My job in the church has been on the proactive side,” Toups said. “I want to continue to reach out to anyone who has been hurt in any way. That’s not the message of Jesus Christ. Caring for persons that have been hurt remains a priority for me.
“I have been training the next generation of priests. I’ve had this wonderful opportunity to ensure the goodness, soundness and holiness of the next generation of priests. I see the beauty and joy and vision and wholehearted dedication of these young men.”
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