Rhode Island bishop leaps into public arena

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The motto of Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin comes from a Bible verse reminding believers that God has given them "no cowardly spirit."

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.

Politicians pay him respect. On the last Inauguration Day, the state's newly elected leaders — including the Protestant lieutenant governor — started their morning with a special Mass celebrated by Tobin in the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul in Providence.

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.