I thought this was interesting.
The archbishop responds - The Georgia Bulletin [
georgiabulletin.org]
At first, Abp. Gregory felt he was being generous by selling his residence to the cathedral parish to serve as a new rectory, and then build a new, "comparable" residence two miles away (on donated ground with donated funds). After getting some feedback from the faithful on this matter, however, he decided a change of plans was in order, and in a published statement he said:
“While my advisers and I were able to justify this project fiscally, logistically and practically, I personally failed to project the cost in terms of my own integrity and pastoral credibility with the people of God of north and central Georgia,” he wrote. “I failed to consider the impact on the families throughout the archdiocese who, though struggling to pay their mortgages, utilities, tuition and other bills, faithfully respond year after year to my pleas to assist with funding our ministries and services.”
It seems that the message is getting out that perception, real or imagined, of lavish lifestyles on the part of church leaders is really harmful to the Church's mission.
Peace,
Deacon Richard
