US Bishop Thomas Tobin is facing widespread criticism after tweeting that Catholics should not attend or support LGBTQ Pride Month events calling them “contrary to Catholic faith and morals” and “especially harmful for children”.
Bishop Tobin, Bishop of Providence, Rhode Island, sent the tweet on Saturday 2 June, only to receive over 60,000 replies within 24 hours.
Rhode Island Pride responded by tweeting that “Rhode Island is a welcoming and inclusive state”.
“This bishop doesn’t represent a majority of [Rhode Island] Catholics who overwhelmingly supported marriage equality [six] years ago. Love is love. You sir are filled with hate,” the tweet said.
The organisation’s President, Joe Lazzerini, said in a statement: “Jesus never said a word about homosexuality, about Pride, or the Queer community. Rhode Island Pride respectfully calls on Bishop Tobin to do some self-reflection as the majority of Catholic Rhode Islanders reject the idea that to be Catholic is to be complicit to intolerance, bigotry, and fear.
“Many Catholics are … allies to our community, who participate in the love and diversity that is Rhode Island Pride. All are welcome to enjoy a safe, fun and prideful celebration on Saturday 15 June.”
Rhode Island Pride also announced a Sunday evening rally in Providence’s Cathedral Square, in response to Tobin’s “shameful remarks”.
In a statement posted on the diocese website on 3 June, Bishop Tobin said: "I regret that my comments yesterday about Pride month have turned out to be so controversial in our community, and offensive to some, especially the gay community.
"That certainly was not my intention, but I understand why a good number of individuals have taken offence. I also acknowledge and appreciate the widespread support I have received on this matter."
He also said he and the Catholic Church had "respect and love for members of the gay community".
But Bishop Tobin declined to withdraw the statement, saying: "As a Catholic bishop, however, my obligation before God is to lead the faithful entrusted to my care and to teach the faith, clearly and compassionately, even on very difficult and sensitive issues."
He said he hoped the rally on Sunday evening would be a "safe, positive and productive experience for all."
LGBTQ Pride Month is held in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which were a response to a police raid on a gay bar, the Stonewall Inn, in New York on June 28, 1969.This year marks the 50th anniversary of the riots.
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