Diocese to hold alternate tree-lighting

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Whether you call it a Christmas tree or a Holiday tree, the State House tree is up, but the debate rages on.

This story has gained national attention and Governor Chafee's office has received thousands of phone calls, after Chafee decided to call it a Holiday tree.

Bishop Thomas Tobin is frustrated at Chafee's decision.

"I almost couldn't believe that it had come to this point. It's a Christmas tree. Call it what it is and it does have a lot of significance for us," says Bishop Tobin.

Bishop Tobin tells us the diocese is planning a simultaneous tree lighting to rival the State House event on Tuesday.

Tobin says he's disappointed in Governor Chafee's decision.

"Sometimes the governor tries to be so inclusive, he becomes exclusive to the majority of people who understand what a Christmas tree is and what it means," Tobin says.

Governor Chafee says using the word, "Holiday," has been a tradition in the past and he wants the State House ceremony to be inclusive.

The Bishop compares the situation to a modern day nativity story.

"In today's Christmas story, Governor Chafee has become the innkeeper, he has no room for God, for Christ in public life," Tobin says.

As the debate continues to play out here in Rhode Island, and across the country, the Bishop hopes the Governor will reconsider his position.

"The governor could make a huge contribution to the spirit of the season if he were simply on Tuesday to call the tree a Christmas tree," says Tobin.