Phoenix, Ariz., Jan 6, 2005 / 22:00 pm
After only one year as head of the Diocese of Phoenix, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted has already made his mark. The local newspaper, The Arizona Republic, ran a feature of the bishop this week, highlighting his public commitment to Church teachings and his bold, no-nonsense leadership style.
The newspaper credited the bishop for having taken “a diocese in turmoil” and turned it around, inspiring hope and trust among the people. Bishop Olmsted succeeded Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien, who had resigned six months earlier and was facing criminal charges after fatally striking a pedestrian with his car.
The diocese had its fair share of clergy sex-abuse, and Bishop Olmsted worked at the problem, meeting with victims and presiding at a summit meeting about abuse.
Bishop Olmsted has also been uncompromising in the Church’s teachings about homosexuality and abortion, and in regulations for the mass.