Edward Patrick Roche

Edward Patrick Roche (1874–1950) was a Newfoundlander prelate of the Roman Catholic Church.

He was appointed Archbishop by Pope Pius X and consecrated by Monsignor Stagni, Apostolic Delegate to Newfoundland at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on 29 June 1915.

He opposed Newfoundland joining Canada, like many other members of the Catholic clergy, and he articulated his view prior to the 1948 referendums.

In reaction, the Loyal Orange Association advised Protestants to resist Catholic influence by supporting union with Canada.

The results were correlated with demographics, and most districts on the Avalon Peninsula, with mostly Catholic voters, supported responsible government, instead of Confederation.