RI's Thomas Tobin: Is He America's Conservative Bishop?

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Thursday, September 17, 2015

By Stephen Beale GoLocalProv News Contributor

He’s called out everyone from Patrick Kennedy to Nelson Mandela for their stances on abortion. In last year’s Providence mayoral race, he publicly wondered whether Jorge Elorza is an atheist. No one, it seems, is above criticism from Rhode Island Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin.

Not even the Pope.

Earlier this month, Tobin was one of a few prelates mentioned in a Washington Post article on conservative dissent against Pope Francis, in advance of his widely anticipated visit to the United States next week. “In trying to accommodate the needs of the age, as Pope Francis suggests, the Church risks the danger of losing its courageous, countercultural, prophetic voice, one that the world needs to hear,” Tobin was quoted as saying.

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Tobin has been even blunter. In the same Facebook post from which the Post quoted, Tobin also offered the following observation after last fall’s tumultuous synod on the family: “Pope Francis is fond of ‘creating a mess.’ Mission accomplished.”

The year before, he had expressed disappointment that Francis had not said more about abortion.

Is Tobin emerging as a national voice for conservative Catholics?

Tobin conservatism maybe overstated

GoLocalProv put the question to Tobin in an interview earlier this week.

“Sometimes, I suppose when I’ve spoken out I’ve been seen as a conservative—when I speak out about abortion or same-sex marriage. Other times, perhaps, I’ve been seen as more liberal when we advocate for immigration reform, for example,” Tobin said.

Tobin says he draws inspiration from the Old Testament prophets—a contentious and often eccentric lot who not only spoke of future events but also applied God’s words to present circumstances, whether to call down judgment or to point the way to salvation.

“I think the Church has the role and the bishop has a role in particular of being a prophetic voice. And what does that mean to be prophetic? It means to bring the word of God to bear and the teachings of the Church to bear on current issues, whether it’s about abortion or same-sex marriage or immigration or homelessness whatever the theme might be. It’s the role of the Church to challenge—especially those in authority—to do the right thing,” Tobin said.

Tobin also points to figures like John the Baptist and St. Thomas More as prophetic figures who have inspired him. Both were imprisoned and eventually beheaded after condemning what they saw as the sinful marriages of their kings—Herod and Henry VIII, respectively.

But Tobin’s own patron saint has something of a different reputation: Thomas the Apostle, otherwise known as ‘Doubting’ Thomas. “I find St. Thomas very inspiring because for his one moment of disbelief he was called ‘Doubting Thomas.’ I always thought he should be called ‘Faithful Thomas’ because he spent the rest of his life living and even dying for the faith, living and dying for Christ.”

Tobin’s own column in the diocesan newspaper, the Rhode Island Catholic, is perhaps fittingly named “Without a Doubt.”

But theological certitude does not imply moral superiority, Tobin said, in words that reflect the self-deprecating humility which has endeared so many to Francis.

“You know, any anytime I speak out about any of these positions, these public issues, it’s certainly not from any sense of personal moral superiority. I have no pretense about my own sanctity or holiness. I speak out because I think we are commissioned to do that despite the fact that we are imperfect. I am imperfect. Despite the fact the Church is imperfect we have an obligation to speak anyhow. If we waited for perfect preachers all our pulpits would be empty,” Tobin said.

Tobin ‘soundbite friendly’

Has Tobin, like his patron saint, been misunderstood?

He won’t say he’s been unfairly characterized as a conservative. But his supporters will.

“The media almost has created a caricature of Bishop Tobin because if you read the media you get the impression that all Bishop Tobin cares about is abortion and gay marriage,” said Barth Bracy, the executive director of the Rhode Island State Right to Life Committee and an ordained Catholic deacon. “I think the media has created a caricature that fits their narrative that’s totally unfair and unjust.”

Tobin’s supporters point to his work in establishing the Emmanuel House homeless shelter, and his promotion of the Keep the Heat Fund to provide low-income Rhode Islanders with heating assistance as examples of his commitment to the full breadth of Catholic social and moral teachings.

“He is a passionate champion for many things not always popular in our culture like protecting the innocent unborn, defending human dignity of migrants, and serving the poor and needy. It is this strong commitment to building up the culture of life and creating a civilization of love right here in little Rhode Island that makes him tick,” said Fr. Bernard Healey, the pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church in East Greenwich, who has represented the diocese at the Statehouse.

Beyond his steadfast social conservatism, it’s also his plainspoken candor that has caught attention, Bracy says: “He’s friendly with soundbites because he doesn’t go into the 500-word explanation. He says it simply and concisely.”

Seminary classmate: Tobin ‘plainspoken, unpretentious’

One fellow bishop who has known Tobin since their days as seminarians told GoLocalProv that the Pittsburgh native has always been direct in speaking his mind. Bishop Edward Scharfenberger of the Diocese of Albany first met Tobin while on a ship on the way to Naples in August 1969. Both were headed to the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome as seminarians.

“Tom was the first of our class to become a bishop, auxiliary of Pittsburgh, and then Bishop of Youngstown before moving on to Providence,” Scharfenberger said.

“Over the years Tom has retained most of the traits by which I always knew him. He has always been affable, a straight shooter, plainspoken, unpretentious. Definitely not an ‘airport bishop’ as Pope Francis has been known to caution some travel-oriented clergy, Bishop Tom is likely to found where you would expect a good bishop to be: at home with his flock,” Scharfenberger added.

Dan Harrop, a local psychiatrist who has worked with Tobin on a number of local Catholic initiatives, said Francis and Tobin are both misunderstood. Some people are under the impression that Francis cares about people not doctrine. “Unfortunately I think Bishop Tobin comes across as putting doctrine before people. I don’t think that’s true either,” Harrop said.

“He really is a very nice person,” Harrop said. “When he’s in a crowd or a group I would almost use the word ‘fun.’”

“As a result of his consistent promotion of Church teachings in the public arena, many people have not always been provided an opportunity to come to know the bishop as a person. He is easy to work with and is he always supportive of my work at the Catholic Conference,” Healey added.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand his personal interaction with many people from high ranking public officials to the skateboarders in Cathedral Square. He demonstrates his priestly character by listening and readily offers kind and wise counsel,” Healey said.

A top diocesan official offered a similar assessment when asked for comment: “Working for Bishop Tobin is really a pleasure. He is very clear in his expectations. He listens well and knows when to ask the counsel of others. That’s always the mark of a true leader,” said Msgr. Albert Kenney, whose official title is Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, a position somewhat akin to chief of staff for an elected government official.

Tobin open to solutions on divorced Catholics

In terms of style, Tobin may seem different indeed than Francis. But, on substance, the two are far closer than many may realize.

For the record, on abortion and gay marriage, despite his initial misgivings, Tobin said that Francis has since been clear in speaking out against both. “He certainly has been very clear about the evil of abortion. His criticism of abortion has been very clear and very strong. And also he’s been very clear both as archbishop in Argentina and now as pope about the nature of marriage being instituted by God as a union of one man and one woman,” Tobin said.

And on other issues, Tobin has embraced the Pope’s message.

“Our Holy Father’s encyclical on the environment, “Laudato Si,” is an amazing document, a comprehensive challenge to the Church and the world replete with insightful observations and compelling exhortations,” Tobin write in his column earlier this summer.

“‘Laudato Si” has been enthusiastically embraced by the American Bishops and we’ve urged our fellow Catholics to take action to protect the environment. But shouldn’t we bishops be giving a good example too? For the sake of reducing carbon emissions, might we consider reducing our national and international travel—especially the number of meetings and programs we schedule and attend?” Tobin added.

This month, Pope Francis announced changes intended to simplify and streamline the process of getting an annulment. The move was panned by some conservative commentators.

But not by Tobin, who instead embraced it, issuing a statement saying he was “extremely pleased” with the reforms and promising to “implement them as soon as possible.”

Tobin also remains surprisingly open to whatever might be the outcome of next month’s synod on the family—which has some conservatives on edge over fears that the Church might loosen its discipline to the point of undermining its doctrine by allowing divorced and re-married Catholics to receive Communion.

Tobin, on the other hand, seems open to the possibility.

So he suggested in a column last year, in characteristic Tobin fashion:

“I often think about, and truly agonize over, the many divorced Catholics who have ‘dropped-out’ of the Church completely, as well as those who attend Mass faithfully every Sunday, sometimes for years, without receiving the consolation and joy of the Holy Eucharist. And I know that I would much rather give Holy Communion to these long-suffering souls than to pseudo-Catholic politicians who parade up the aisle every Sunday for Holy Communion and then return to their legislative chambers to defy the teachings of the Church by championing same-sex marriage and abortion,” Tobin wrote.

In his interview with GoLocalProv, Tobin said his position had not changed. And, when pressed, he did not rule out the possibility of Communion for divorced and re-married Catholics, something that another so-called conservative critic of Francis, Cardinal Raymond Burke, has done. (Tobin was also quick to note there are other ways of ministering to and welcoming divorced and remarried Catholics.)

“I don’t know what the outcome would be. Again, I think we have to be open to wherever the Spirit flows. And I don’t know if that will be to make a change in Catholic discipline and practice or to maintain the current discipline and practice while also finding ways to minister to families who are struggling in any way,” Tobin said.

Bishop Tobin on Abortion, Gay Marriage, and Pope Francis

Boycott Pride

The Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, Thomas Tobin, took to Twitter on in June of 2019 and Tweeted, "A reminder that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ 'Pride Month' events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals. They are especially harmful for children"

Previously, Tobin had "quit" Twitter, calling it an "occasion of sin in July 2018. He has since rejoined the social media platform.

In response, Joe Lazzerini, President of Rhode Island Pride, responded with a strong 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 in this state reject the idea that to be Catholic is to be complicit to intolerance, bigotry, and fear,” said Lazzerini. "Many Catholics are LGBTQIA+ and 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, June 15th.”

Protests were sparked by Tobin's tweet.

Said He Would “Personally Fast” for “Penance for My Own Faults” in Sex Abuse

In 2018, Tobin was facing lawsuits, the potential financial collapses of another pension fund and harsh criticism for his role as the Auxillary Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh during a period in which more than a 1,000 children were abused by more than 300 priests in Pennsylvania, according to a grand jury.

He wrote:

"These are indeed very difficult and dark days for our Church. In recognizing the anger, pain and confusion that many Catholics are experiencing over recent allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests, and negligence of bishops in dealing with the crisis, I humbly ask you to join me in a special day of prayer and penance on Friday, September 14th."

Elorza’s Atheism

“I should emphasize that being an atheist would neither recommend nor disqualify him from being Mayor of Providence. But I wonder if an atheist mayor would be in a position to respect the sincere convictions of believers (of all faiths) and to encourage and support the many contributions the faith community makes in our city and state.

So, can anyone help determine: Is Jorge Elorza an atheist or not? It would be good to know before Election Day.”

- Bishop Tobin Facebook post, October 21, 2014

RI's Thomas Tobin: Is He America's Conservative Bishop?