Cleveland Bishop Still Waiting for Word from Vatican

By Colette M. Jenkins
Akron Beacon Journal
March 13, 2012

http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/cleveland-bishop-still-waiting-for-word-from-vatican-1.272905

The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland is still awaiting official word from the Vatican that the decision to close 13 parishes has been overturned.

On Monday, Bishop Richard G. Lennon issued the following statement: "The Diocese has not formally received from the Vatican any decrees from the Congregation of Clergy concerning parish appeals; subsequently, no response is available at this time.

"I am aware of the interest that these reports have raised within our community. I assure you, that as soon as I receive official notification, I will share that with the community. At that time, I will begin a review of the rulings with my advisers."

The statement is in response to news reports last week that the Vatican had reversed Lennon's decision to close 13 parishes, including St. John the Baptist and St. Mary's in Akron.

Peter Borre, a Boston activist who has fought the closing of parishes in the Cleveland diocese, told the Associated Press that the Congregation of the Clergy ruled Lennon did not follow proper procedures in the closings.

Since then, critics of the closings have called for Lennon to move quickly to restore the 13 affected parishes. He had closed or merged 50 parishes between August 2009 and June 2010 to address dwindling attendance and finances and a worsening priest shortage.

Medina, Summit and Wayne are among the eight counties in the diocese.

Contact: cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com