RI Catholics react as Bishop leaves Twitter, calling it an ‘occasion of sin’

The leader of Rhode Island’s Roman Catholics has deleted his Twitter account, calling it a major distraction, an obstacle to his spiritual life, and “occasion of sin” for himself and others.

Diocese of Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin wrote on Twitter on Monday that it was his final tweet.

Tobin said if he has helped anyone along the way, “thank God,” and he’s truly sorry if he has offended anyone. He had 6,100 Twitter followers.

The online catholic publication Cruxnow.com referred to a tweet from July 19 where Bishop Tobin reacted to new revelations about clergy sex abuse, along with a picture of the last tweet.       

In the past week, he tweeted about abortion, air pollution, his dislike of tattoos and his favorite Pope Benedict quote, among other topics.

Local Catholics seem to be torn about Bishop Tobin’s decision.

"The Bishop shutting off, deleting his account, I don’t think that’s productive because that’s not the way to counter other people’s thoughts," said Alex Rojana, a Catholic.

"I think cell phones and technology and the way the world is right now definitely blocks the spiritual meaning behind religion in general," said Joe Taylor, who was raised Catholic.

A diocese spokeswoman said Tuesday that Tobin is on vacation and couldn’t comment.

Tobin still has a Facebook account, where he writes less frequently.

This story contains information from the Associated Press