CLEVELAND (OH)
U.S. Catholic
Friday, March 9, 2012
By Scott Alessi
In a verdict that was both surprising and refreshing, a Vatican congregation this week overruled the decision of Cleveland Bishop Richard Lennon to close 13 parishes in his diocese, ruling in favor of a group of parishioners who’ve been fighting to keep their parishes open.
The parishioners, who formed a group called Endangered Catholics, had been pursuing an appeal under canon law to challenge Lennon’s closings. A few weeks ago I interviewed Pat Schulte-Singleton, one of the parishioners involved in the canonical appeal, about the efforts of lay Catholics who challenge decisions of the church hierarchy. At the time, more than two years into the appeal process, she was frustrated yet hopeful, awaiting a decision that seemed like it would never arrive.
Perhaps most frustrating was the fact that her parish, St. Patrick in West Park, Ohio, remained empty as the appeal dragged on. The bishop had closed the parishes and parishioners were instructed to register elsewhere even though a canonical appeal was still pending. The same scenario has played out in parishes around the country.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.