Search
-
January 17, 2018Statement of Bishop Thomas J. Tobin on the Offensive Comments Made by Mr. Jay Brennan, Principal of Bishop Hendricken High School
I was stunned, and profoundly sorry, to learn of the offensive comments made by Mr. Jay Brennan, longtime principal of Bishop Hendricken High School. The incident seems completely out of character for a good man who has the reputation of being a fine Christian gentleman and an exemplary Catholic educator. Nonetheless, the administration of the school has taken the incident very seriously and has responded quickly and appropriately.
Racism is a sin, a grave sin, and expressions of racism will simply not be tolerated by any employee of the Diocese of Providence, its agencies or institutions. On behalf of the Diocese of Providence I sincerely apologize to any group or individuals who have been offended – and rightly so – by the language which appears on the video.
At the same time, I want to express my love, concern and support for all the members of the Bishop Hendricken High School community at this difficult time. There are wonderful people at Bishop Hendricken High School – administrators, teachers, staff, parents and students – who do great work all the time. I am proud of them and grateful for the many contributions they make every day to our Church and our community. May God grant us the grace of repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation and peace in the days to come.
