Thomas Tobin, Bishop of Providence, has issued a strong statement lamenting the passage of legislation permitting civil unions in Rhode Island. He warned atholics that they cannot be involved in such unions, on pain of what used to be called mortal sin.
The legal acceptance of civil unions, Bishop Tobin said, involves “a social experiment that promotes an immoral lifestyle, is a mockery of the institution of marriage as designed by God, undermines the well-being of our families, and poses a threat to religious liberty.”
After reaffirming the Church’s teaching that homosexual activity is gravely sinful, Bishop Tobin instructed the faithful not to be a part of civil unions:
Because civil unions promote an unacceptable lifestyle, undermine the faith of the Church on holy matrimony, and cause scandal and confusion, Catholics may not participate in civil unions. To do so is a very grave violation of the moral law and, thus, seriously sinful. A civil union can never be accepted as a legitimate alternative to matrimony.
Bishop Tobin concluded his public statement with an appeal for prayer for the future of the state.
Can there be any doubt that Almighty God will, in His own time and way, pass judgment upon our state, its leaders and citizens, for abandoning His commands and embracing public immorality? I encourage Catholics to pray for God's patience, mercy and forgiveness in these distressing times.
Empasis above is mine. Click here to read the complete text of Bishop Tobin's statement.
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