PROVIDENCE (RI)
NEPA News
By RICHARD C. LEWIS, Associated Press Writer, The Associated Press May 31, 2005
Thomas Tobin was installed on Tuesday as bishop of Providence, becoming the spiritual leader of the nation's most Catholic state.
In his first address, Tobin urged Catholics to be disciples in the tradition of Jesus, and dwelt on the church's fundamental principles, including preserving human life at all stages and a commitment to heterosexual marriage. ...
Considered a theological conservative, the 57-year-old Pittsburgh native was praised during his years in Ohio for his handling of the clergy sex abuse crisis and his dedication to the church.
Outside the church before the service began, a handful of people silently held signs with the pictures of young men who they say were abused by Catholic priests. Patricia Shanley, a practicing Catholic from Providence, said she wanted the new bishop to forthrightly deal with the clergy abuse scandal and be committed to reform agreed upon by Catholic leaders.
"We are the church," the 62-year-old Shanley said. "It's not just the hierarchy."
Posted by kshaw at May 31, 2005 08:52 PM