New archbishop praised for how he led in Spokane

By Cynthia Dizikes
Chicago Tribune
September 22, 2014

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-cupich-leaving-spokane-met-20140921-story.html#page=1

In this largely rural church between the Cascades and the Rocky Mountains, Roman Catholics say Chicago's next archbishop steered his own course — even when it meant risking offense or contradicting other U.S. bishops.

Bishop Blase Cupich's bold efforts to direct the Spokane Diocese after it had emerged from bankruptcy included a malpractice lawsuit against the law firm that handled the legal proceedings, a move that drew praise from some but criticism from others who saw it as an attack on his predecessor.

He launched an effort to enroll thousands of eastern Washington's poor in health care under the Affordable Care Act, despite the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' opposition to the law's contraception mandate.

And, shortly after arriving in Spokane, he would not endorse curbside vigils outside abortion clinics, which drew the ire of local opponents of abortion rights.

"This guy is not lukewarm about anything," said Rob McCann, executive director of the local Catholic Charities, the diocese's social ministry arm. "He's a guy that doesn't shy from a fight, and that's exactly what the Catholic Church needs."

When Cupich arrived in 2010, the diocese of 90,000 parishioners was on the brink of losing properties, including its cathedral, said the Rev. Darrin Connall, rector of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Spokane.

"That was a pretty dark time, and, frankly, I think it was touch-and-go," Connall said. "It was a nervous time for all of us."

Although the diocese emerged from bankruptcy in 2008, the church was still mired in ongoing legal struggles related to unresolved sex abuse claims.