Text of statement by Bishop Tobin

Following is the statement by Bishop Thomas J. Tobin regarding the decision on gay marriages by Atty. Gen. Patrick C. Lynch:

Posted

The decision of Atty. Gen. Patrick C. Lynch to recognize so-called "gay marriages" from Massachusetts in Rhode Island is very disappointing.

Marriage, as instituted by God, blessed by the Church and affirmed by every culture throughout the ages, is a union of one man and one woman. The state should not be in the business of supporting other lifestyles or promoting immoral, unnatural sexual activity, and that, of course, is the net effect of the attorney general's decision.

It is clear that the attorney general's thinking on this issue has been influenced by the relentless gay agenda so prevalent in our state. It is ironic, however, that his decision was announced on Ash Wednesday, when so many citizens of our state were beginning a special time of repentance and prayer. His decision has given us another reason to repent of our sins and pray for forgiveness.

(This statement originally published in The Providence Visitor)