coadjutor

The nomination of a coadjutor bishop can also be read as simply a smart administrative decision, to ease the transition from one bishop to the next since the incumbent is still on the job and can bring his successor up to speed.

The Most Reverend Richard G. Henning is the new coadjutor bishop of Providence with a right of succession.

By naming a coadjutor bishop, Francis has already identified Tobin’s successor, which could be read as a sign that the pope is eager to see the retirement of Tobin, a frequent critic of Francis who has prompted widespread backlash for some of his positions on culture war issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.

While each side has chartered their own path since Robinson was named bishop coadjutor in 2003, Robinson himself has had time to reflect on how he became widely known as the “gay bishop” who brought “Satan in the church,” as a Kenyan leader said many years ago of his election.

“A female curate, who is not my wife, would never suit me. With me, then, it seems, you cannot go: but if you are sincere in your offer, I will, while in town, speak to a married missionary, whose wife needs a coadjutor. Your own fortune will make you independent of the Society’s aid; and thus you may still be spared the dishonour of breaking your promise and deserting the band you engaged to join.”