New Phoenix Bishop Directly Addresses Homosexuality

Moves quickly to replace key archdiocese staff to ensure unity with his orthodoxy

PHOENIX, May 6, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The new Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix, Thomas J. Olmsted, has set one of the most impressive US Catholic religious leadership records in recent times. He has deftly addressed issues of prominent concern and has used potential setbacks to his advantage.

Olmsted's official installation as the new Bishop of Phoenix took place only in mid-December. He wasted no time in asserting his leadership, clamping down on the most overt church abuses without delay. By March one priest who flouted church law by co-celebrating a Mass with a non-Catholic minister was suspended pending the results of an investigation into the matter.

Showing unusual episcopal administrative prowess and backbone he put his own team into the key points of the diocesan bureaucracy, a move essential to good governance and going forward with a common vision. Beyond staff changes in the top positions in the chancery, the diocesan spokesperson and diocesan newspaper editor were replaced.

The faithful of Phoenix are blessed to have been given such a good shepherd. Full article here.