What Would Roger Williams Have Said? Tobin Tweets on RI’s Restrictions on Religious Gatherings
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin has weighed in on social media once again to question the state’s handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Tobin’s latest Tweet was to ask what Rhode Island founding father Roger Williams would have had to say about the current restriction on social gathering size to 5 - and prohibiting in-person religious worship at churches, temples, and mosques.
Tobin Tweeted
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTI’m not an historian at all, but I wonder what our founder, Roger Williams, would have said about the power of the State to prevent religious folk from gathering for worship, even during difficult times.
Faith leaders, across the spectrum, have been very patient and cooperative with the State in responding to the crisis. But our churches must re-open, and they will, soon. Our people are demanding it. For people of faith, public worship is an “essential service.”
Latest from Tobin
In April, Tobin took to Twitter to question whether or not the daily coronavirus briefings at the national -- and local level -- are still needed.
Tobin Tweeted:
I’m starting to wonder: Do we still need daily briefings, on a national and local level, about the coronavirus crisis and our response?
Have they become more political theater than public service? Are there other ways to provide essential information?
Tobin has been active on social media -- even briefly quitting in 2018, calling it an "occasion for sin" -- before resuming Twitter.
Last summer, Tobin weighed in on gay pride.
GoLocal first reported that Tobin took to Twitter 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."
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