Father John Morton, who presides over the day-to-day running of the St Thomas Catholic Church in Bloomington, was speaking out against child abuse within the Roman Catholic Church this morning when he made reference to young Hollins - who has been an alter boy at the church since early last year.
"We must put an end to child molestation within the Catholic Church," Morton told a congregation at the parish. "Young, innocent alter boys such as Matthew should not have to live in fear of pedophiles in a place of worship. That is why I am prepared to wait until he is 16."
The bishop's pronouncement was met with bewilderment from the majority of those in attendance, with many pointing to the priest's supposed vow of celibacy, while the Catholic Church does not recognize homosexuality.
"Have faith in the Lord Above", continued Morton. "While God does not condone sex with minors, He is usually willing to forgive the odd transgression between two consenting adult members of the church. Even two males."
"Bring on 2016", he later joked to a stunned crowd.
Image credit: Greg Hayter. Creative commons.