PROVIDENCE, R.I. _ Rhode Island Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas J. Tobin tweeted Saturday that church members should not show support for Pride Month events.
"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," tweeted Tobin.
Pride Month runs through June and is especially pertinent this year since it marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City, which served as catalyst for the gay rights movement.
As of about 1:45 p.m. Eastern time Saturday, Tobin's tweet had about 624 retweets and 2,000 likes.
It also generated many critical replies.
One person replied in a Tweet, "I'm a practicing Catholic & I attended Pride parade with a bus of middle schoolers. I told my priest & deacon & dared them to say anything to me. They didn't."
Another tweeted, "As an Irish Catholic I would be much more concerned for the safety of my children in the company of a Pennsylvania priest than with anyone attending LGBTQ Pride Month."
Others, however, sided with the bishop. "As a Catholic, I feel so blessed to attend mass, the celebration of the Lord's supper, and receive the Eucharist," one person tweeted. "All are welcome. I agree with the Bishop. Children shouldn't view the gay pride parade etc. because they are innocent & that is not what's being celebrated."
