WPRO News
Bishop Thomas Tobin of the Providence Diocese reminded reporters that he had announced several weeks ago he would not be attending the inauguration of Governor Gina Raimondo.
Tobin said he was not making a statement when he rejected an invitation by Raimondo to attend the inauguration ceremony, and that he made an announcement that he wouldn’t attend almost six weeks ago.
“I just think it’s very appropriate for the Bishop to be here leading the local church in prayer on this very important day, even more so than attending an inauguration which can become a very political and partisan event,” said Tobin.
Tobin was unsure why the Raimondo team had mailed him an invitation when he had publically declared he would not be attending the ceremony, but interpreted the offer in a positive way.
“I presume the fact that we received an invitation at the last moment was a courtesy, a sign of friendship, a sign of respect, which I appreciate very much.”
The Bishop reiterated he does not attend inaugurations of any public official, not just the Governor, who supports abortion.
Tobin also did not attend the inauguration of Governor Lincoln Chafee four years ago.
