PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A priest is asking parishioners not to leave his church over a tweet by Rhode Island’s bishop about LGBTQ Pride Month events.

The Rev. Edward L. Pieroni spoke during Sunday services at St. Raymond Roman Catholic Church in Providence, The Boston Globe reported. “A lot of people have hung in there, but it’s like, ‘One more slap and we are done.’ I am here to beg you — and I will get on my hands and knees and beg you — not to leave,” Pieroni told the congregation.

Diocese of Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin sparked a backlash beginning Saturday when he tweeted, “A reminder that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ ‘Pride Month’ events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals. They are especially harmful for children.”

Rhode Island is one of the most heavily Catholic states. More than 80,000 people responded by Monday morning. Some replied to the tweet to support the bishop while others invoked the scandals of sexual abuse of children by clergy members.

The LGBTQ group Rhode Island Pride held a rally outside the diocese’s headquarters in Providence Sunday.

Tobin said in a statement Sunday that it is his obligation to teach the faith “clearly and compassionately, even on very difficult and sensitive issues.”