Bishop Tobin of the Diocese of Providence has been closing in on his sell by date, his 75th birthday. Pope John Paul II created a rule that all bishops hitting their 75th must submit their resignation. This was no doubt meant as a way of cleaning house of Vatican II era liberal bishops. But the rule has been working for our side under this Pope. Tobin hits 75 next April 1st. It’s quite unlikely that Francis will decline his resignation, given the theological differences between the two, coupled with the fact that Tobin as constantly taken pot shots at Francis. Today, Francis has appointed his replacement, Rev. Richard Henning as coadjutor bishop of Providence. He’s number 2 for now, but he’s already been given the right of succession.
Tobin has left a trail of right wing poop over the years. He’s a walking poster for the right wing culture wars. I posted this after his diatribe against Nelson Mandela after his death for his pro choice stand. I can’t find much about his soon replacement, Richard Henning, who had been auxiliary bishop of Rockville Center, NY. I suppose no news is good news. If he hasn’t gotten in any controversies, we can assume that hasn’t swam in the right wing swamp.
Anybody know anything about Henning?