Tobin urged Rhode Island's Catholics to engage in "a moment of prayer and reflection" in light of the gay-marriage bill's expected signing "as we respond to this new challenge of the post-Christian era into which, clearly, we have now entered." First, like many others, I am profoundly disappointed that Rhode Island has approved legislation that seeks to legitimize “same-sex marriage.” The Catholic Church has fought very hard to oppose this immoral and unnecessary proposition, and we are most grateful to all those who have courageously joined us in this effort. "When all is said and done, however, we know that God will be the final judge of our actions." They frame it with this perspective: 
 
 As I have emphasized consistently in the past, the Catholic Church has respect, love and pastoral concern for our brothers and sisters who have same-sex attraction. I sincerely pray for God’s blessings upon them, that they will enjoy much health, happiness and peace." A nasty piece of divisiveness from Bishop Tobin, after civil marriage equality became law: 
 
 At this moment of cultural change, it is important to affirm the teaching of the Church, based on God’s word, that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered,” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2357) and always sinful. And because “same-sex marriages” are clearly contrary to God’s plan for the human family, and therefore objectively sinful, Catholics should examine their consciences very carefully before deciding whether or not to endorse same-sex relationships or attend same-sex ceremonies, realizing that to do so might harm their relationship with God and cause significant scandal to others. "Despite this serious regression in the public morality of our state we need to recognize that there are other major issues that demand our attention," Tobin wrote in Thursday's letter. We must continue to engage our culture, remembering that Jesus called us to be “the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” (Mt 5:13-14) Be assured, therefore, that the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Providence will continue its mission of preaching the Gospel, advocating for what is right and just, and serving the needs of our community to the very best of our ability.  PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Bishop of Providence Thomas Tobin said Thursday he was "profoundly disappointed" that Rhode Island leaders have decided to allow same-sex marriage and warned Catholics to think hard before going to the weddings of local gays and lesbians.
– Providence bishop Thomas Tobin caused a bit of a stir yesterday with a post on the diocese's website responding to Rhode Island's new marriage equality law. Tobin wrote that Catholics should "examine their consciences very carefully before deciding whether or not to endorse same-sex relationships or attend same-sex ceremonies." And while he says the Church has "respect, love, and pastoral concern" for people "who have same-sex attraction," it can't "endorse or ignore immoral or destructive behavior." "It is important to affirm the teaching of the Church … that 'homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered,' (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2357) and always sinful," Tobin writes. At the Dish, Andrew Sullivan calls the letter "a nasty piece of divisiveness" that puts "a wedge between Catholic family members and their gay brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters." Rhode Island is a deeply Catholic state, WPRI points out; the Providence Diocese boasts around 621,000 members, which works out to be more than 60% of the state's population.