Feds investigating Cleveland Catholic Diocese financial officers.

[Algorem]

http://www.clevescene.com/Issues/2006-04-12/news/firstpunch_full.html

The Reason Pilla Left?
Feds investigating Catholic Diocese financial officers.

Article Published Apr 12, 2006

When Richard Lennon was named the new bishop of Cleveland's Catholic Diocese last week, a Plain Dealer headline noted that "Lennon has always said yes when asked to do tough jobs." His new job may be his toughest yet.

Though Lennon, a Boston auxiliary bishop, was in the midst of that diocese's massive pedophile scandal, he'll face a new round of problems in Cleveland: the impending indictments of church financial officials.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is reportedly in the midst of an investigation that may involve significant improprieties. Church officials have been accused of creating off-the-book accounts -- some as large as $400,000 -- for their personal use. They also allegedly asked outside contractors to overbill the diocese, then redirect the excess payments to church officials and their designates.

Finally, there is speculation that certain contracts may have benefited the relatives of church leaders, and that "lady friends" of priests were supported by church money, though this could not be confirmed...



A new bishop for Cleveland
Tuesday, April 11, 2006

http://www.cleveland.com/politics/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1144744222117160.xml&coll=2

Richard Lennon, the auxiliary bishop from Boston chosen by Rome to replace retiring Cleveland Catholic Bishop Anthony Pilla, comes to town with a reputation.

His admirers call him a loyal son of the church. So do his detractors. In these troubled times of priest scandals and priest shortages, loyalty to the church is not a trait universally praised.

Plus, Lennon comes from the Boston Archdiocese, perhaps the epicenter of priest sexual abuse scandals, which will dismay those upset by church leaders' see-no-evil cover-up.

But Roman Catholics here should keep an open mind as Lennon becomes this diocese's 10th bishop. He will have plenty of opportunities to make his mark. Judge him on what he does here, not on his tenure in Boston...

[Earl from Ohio]

1. The Middle Ages all over again

"lady friends" of priests were supported by church money, though this could not be confirmed...

This has gone on for soooo long...

[czawadzki]

2. Wow

That's too bad. It is sad that the church has done this to themselves.

Between The whole "lady friends" thing and the pedophilia I think it is safe to say that perhaps they should allow priests to marry. I read somewhere that the main reason the pope made that rule was that the church was losing money and property when married priests died (thier possessions became property of the widow and children). I don't know how true that is but they are losing a lot now. Of course, I have always found it weird that thay have all of these riches in the vatican and yet they hold on to them instead of using the money to feed the hungry, administor to the sick or find a cure for aids. Oh well - perhaps that is why I don't practice anymore :-)

-Cindy
http://heightsmom.blogspot.com/

[Schmajo]

3. Welcome to DU!

The Ohio Forum seems to be taking a breather after a rather contentious winter of discontent. (Is that redundant?)

I'm sure things will be picking up soon. There are a couple other Ohio bloggers who show up here regularly.

In any event, welcome, and we appreciate your input.
:toast:

[OhioBlue]

4. Welcome to DU

:hi:

[czawadzki]

5. Thanks

I've lurked here on and off but thought I might as well join in - it's about time :-D

I appreciate the warm welcome!

-Cindy

[OhioBlue]

6. glad you decided to join in! n/t