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	Cleveland: Bishop's Letter Sparks Controversy in Church about to Close WKYC April 2, 2010 http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=133600&catid=3 CLEVELAND -- Another layer of emotion has been laid upon the closing of a landmark Cleveland church. A letter from Bishop Richard Lennon to parishioners is what sparked the controversy. Church members recently formed a non-profit group and leased office space in a renovated building at the corner of East 71st Street and Euclid Avenue. The purpose, supposedly, is to continue the church's charitable and community programs, not be a substitute church. But Bob Tayek, a Diocese spokesman, says the Bishop's letter addressed confusion among parishioners about whether church services would occur at the office site. The Bishop's letter read, "I will not approve a priest celebrating the sacraments in any space other than any approved site...When there is a breaking of union and communion with the church, there are consequences affecting one's relationship with the Lord." Many parishioners found the letter too sensitive to comment on. But some attending the final St. Peter Good Friday service did. Parishioner Lawrence Herb said, "It's disturbing. He's attacking our character. He has no right tell us he's gonna save our souls. He needs to look at himself." Parishioner Tom Nimberger said, "I got one of those letters. He said he was sending it to people who are confused. I'm not confused. I wonder why I got it." Others were more accepting and obedient. David Chadowski said, "The Bishop already made his decision. We as a community have to abide by it." Paula Coakley said, "We're just trying to not be inflammatory. The die is cast. It's over....I believe we will carry on in some form but don't ask me what. We're flying by the seat of our pants. Diocese spokesman Bob Tayek said the letter is not intended as a threat. The parish claims to have 600 members. Tayek says the Diocese believes the number of active parishioners is considerably less. Pastor Robert Marrone had no comment on the controversy. He will celebrate the last Easter Sunday mass. The final Mass, celebrated by Bishop Lennon, will be April 11. Some church members intend to boycott it. The long history of St. Peter is not over yet.
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