Phoenix, Ariz., May 3, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted has been making waves in the Diocese of Pheonix since his recent succession to Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien. The new bishop has come on strong on a number of issues – namely right-to life issues – and has drawn both support and criticism from some of the faithful, reported the Arizona Republic yesterday.
Some liberal Catholics fear a conservative shift in the diocese, said the newspaper.
In his first month in Pheonix, Bishop Olmsted’s commitment to battle abortion was evident. He participated in a series of prayer meetings and led the largest protest at Planned Parenthood in years on Good Friday this year.
The bishop also signed an interfaith statement calling for a reformed immigration policy. He met with several survivors of sexual abuse and plans to replace the local Church hierarchy.