Providence Roman Catholic Diocese

Same-Sex Marriage Legislation Heads to Senate Floor

Ian Donnis and Catherine Welch — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:54:20 +0000

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage on a 7 – 4 vote. A bill putting the issue up for referendum was defeated by a 6 – 5 vote.

The vote was greeted with jubilation by same sex marriage supporters gathered in a Statehouse hearing room. Supporters say they’re hopeful the committee vote signals full Senate approval. The bill will go to a full Senate vote Wednesday.

Reaction to the Vote

Same-Sex Marriage Senate Committee Vote Set for Tuesday

Ian Donnis — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:10:01 +0000

The Senate Judiciary Committee is slated to vote Tuesday on legislation that could legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island. The issue has never previously come this far in the state Senate.

The 10-member Judiciary Committee plans to vote on two separate bills. One would grant marriage rights to same-sex couples through the legislature. The other one has broader religious exemptions and would make legalizing same-sex marriage subject to a statewide vote.

Providence Diocese Will Not Release Names of all Accused Priests

Flo Jonic — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:32:47 +0000

Providence Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin says he will not release the names of all of the priests who have been investigated for child sex abuse. Tobin was responding to a call from the group Bishopaccountability.org for greater transparency.

Sex Abuse Allegation puts Woonsocket Priest on Administrative Leave

Flo Jonic — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:16:41 +0000

Another Roman Catholic priest has been sidelined by a child sexual abuse allegation. The priest has accepted responsibility for his actions.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence says Monsignor John Allard of Woonsocket has been forced to resign the pastor of St. Agatha and Precious Blood parishes because of a child sex abuse allegation that dates back more than 30 years.

The diocese says Allard accepted responsibility for his actions when confronted. He has expressed remorse for the harm he has caused and has moved out of the rectory.

Catholic Church sets up financial accountability hotline

Flo Jonic — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:37:46 +0000

Roman Catholics who suspect financial irregularities in their parishes now have a place to go to report it. The Diocese of Providence has retained an Oregon company to operate a toll-free number people can call to report suspected financial impropriety.

Mixed reactions of St. Timothy parishoners regarding abuse allegation

Flo Jonic — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 13:45:29 +0000

(PROVIDENCE, RI) Mass was celebrated Sunday at St. Timothy Church in Warwick but a familiar face wasn’t there. The pastor, Father Barry Meehan, was forced to resign over sex abuse allegations dating back more than 25 years.

Most parishioners of St. Timothy’s Church didn’t want to comment on the resignation of their pastor, Father Barry Meehan.