Rhode Island bishop leaps into public arena
Vocal Catholic cleric doesn't shy away from voicing opinion
And he has not been timid during three years as the most prominent religious leader in Rhode Island, the nation's most heavily Catholic state.
Tobin used his edgy humor last year to publicly skewer former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is Catholic and supports abortion rights. In the diocesan newspaper, during the Republican presidential primary, Tobin addressed the candidate by first name — "Hey Rudy" — and called his stand on abortion pathetic.
Tobin recently took on U.S. immigration authorities and Gov. Don Carcieri, himself a Catholic, by condemning mass immigration raids in the state. An annoyed Carcieri pushed back, saying some priests don't agree with the bishop's stand.
Tobin realizes his social pronouncements are unpopular with many people, perhaps the majority of his diocese, which covers the entire state. He doesn't care.
"When we teach, we don't take a public opinion poll first," Tobin said in a recent interview. "Jesus didn't do surveys."
A Catholic bishop wields clout in Rhode Island, where some 60 percent of residents identify themselves as members of the faith. When Tobin speaks, his message resonates in local parishes, hospitals, social ministries and a private education system that runs from kindergarten to college.
Tobin is among a new generation of strictly orthodox Catholic prelates who also heavily — and very publicly — emphasize Catholic social justice teaching.
"He's outspoken, he'll deliver a good line, a good sound bite, but he'll also confound those who want to categorize him," said David Gibson, a former Vatican radio newsman and author of "The Rule of Benedict: Pope Benedict XVI and His Battle with the Modern World."
A native of Pittsburgh, Tobin studied at a high school seminary and later at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, a prestigious training ground for future church leaders.
He served under former Pittsburgh Bishop Anthony Bevilacqua, a strong church conservative who was later named a cardinal under Pope John Paul II. Tobin was installed in 1996 as the bishop of Youngstown, Ohio, then was named bishop of Providence on March 31, 2005, days before John Paul died.
He is a registered Democrat, but doesn't shy from admonishing politicians in his own party — and those of other political leanings.
Recent comments
If this were President Monson making similar remarks the article…
Dan Bradford | Sept. 6, 2008 at 11:59 p.m.
If the Bishop wants to get into politiks?
Well...
then he ain'…
Steve Real | Sept. 6, 2008 at 10:20 p.m.
The bishop has an obligation to speak out against injustice, immorality…
mick | Sept. 6, 2008 at 8:03 p.m.
