Catholic bishop criticizes Rhode Island attorney general on gay marriage

[Doondoo]

PROVIDENCE, R.I. --Harsh words today from Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin, who's criticizing Rhode Island's top lawyer for backing gay marriage.

Earlier this week, Attorney General Patrick Lynch issued a non-binding opinion saying that he saw nothing in Rhode Island law preventing the state from recognizing the unions of same-sex couples married in Massachusetts.

In a written statement, Tobin says Lynch's thinking has been influenced by the -- quote -- "relentless gay agenda."

The Catholic Bishop of Providence says it's ironic Lynch's decision was announced on Ash Wednesday, which starts a traditional period of repentance and prayer. Tobin calls the decision another reason to pray for forgiveness.


http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode_island/articles/2007/02/22/catholic_bishop_criticizes_ri_attorney_general_on_gay_marriage/

[Prophet 451]

1. He can say whatever he likes

He can refuse to marry gay couples in his church if he likes but his religious feelings (or anyone elses, including my own) should not have the status of law.

[BayCityProgressive]

2. maybe he should

spend more time criticizing child raping preists????

[Deep13]

3. Possible response from AG: "I didn't ask."

Nothing is worse than unsolicited advice.

[Tyo]

4. What about the "relentless" Catholic agenda?

Every prelate from Ratzo on down has no problem criticizing judges and politicians and instructing them on how they ought to be opposing marriage equality. Are they speaking out against war and starvation and the plight of the poor and economic inequality and exploitation - the things that Jesus might be concerned with? Maybe if you listen carefully you might hear a little of that. But what is coming across loud and clear is their outrage over the fact that my partner and I might someday get married and their determination to stop it. Gotta wonder about their priorities. And their tax exemption.

[LostinVA]

5. In Pope Rat's defense -- he talks out against war alot -- including Iraq

The media over here just doesn't report it.

having said that, I loathe the man.

[Tyo]

6. Okay, I will give him that

And he does speak out against capital punishment too. Good on ya, Ratso. But where he and the rest of the ring-wearers really get vocal AND political is on the marriage equality issue. At the very least, I don't understand their priorities.

[LostinVA]

7. I know, I agree with you

Believe me, it was like chewing glass saying that about him!

[DeSwiss]

8. So...

...here we have a priest in Boston who is allowed to roam freely for decades while he sexually abuses minors. While a priest in Romania is sentenced to prison for conducting an exorcism where a 23 year-old nun dies (she's schizophrenic, has a fever, given no food, and no water for several days). Meanwhile, a Bishop in R.I. condemns the state's Attorney General for saying that he saw nothing in Rhode Island law preventing the state from recognizing the unions of same-sex couples married in Massachusetts.

I'm not making a point. I just thought I'd line those up to see how they fit. Absurd, isn't it?