Below please find a statement by Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin on the passing of Henry Shelton:
"Rhode Island has lost one of its greatest advocates for the poor and social justice. With the founding of the George Wiley Center, Henry Shelton set out to make an impact on his community by helping those in need. What he created was much more. He created a social movement and shaped important public policy in our state.
"Although Henry left the priesthood, he continued to walk in the path of God in how he treated others. No one who came to the Wiley Center for help was turned away. His door and heart were always open to anyone who needed help.
"He may have been soft spoken, but that is not to imply Henry was a quiet man. Far from it. When Henry and his team showed up at the State House, he meant business and would not take 'no' for an answer. There are few people who are as committed to seeing a cause through to the end as Henry was, and we are all better because of it. And while Henry is no longer physically with us, his legacy and spirit will live on through the tens of thousands of people he helped.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to Henry's family, friends and colleagues."