Irish dioceses acknowledge financial woes
August 19, 2011
The scandal-plagued Diocese of Cloyne, Ireland, is facing a financial crisis, Church spokesmen there have acknowledged.
"The finances of the diocese of Cloyne have come under extreme pressure from a number of sources over the past few years," the diocese disclosed. To date diocesan officials have been able to meet expenses by selling property and dipping into reserves, but those resources are “almost exhausted,” the diocese said.
The statement from Cloyne followed closely after an admission by Dublin archdiocesan officials that they, too, are facing several financial problems. The Archdiocese of Tuam has reported a sharp decline in revenues, although officials there say that the situation is not yet critical.
Across the country, Irish Church officials have reported a dramatic drop in revenues, which they attribute to the combined effects of falling Mass attendance, the country’s severe recession, and the fallout from the sex-abuse scandal.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Second diocese admits it is running out of cash (Irish Independent)
- Tuam archdiocese income drops by up to 15 percent (Galway News)
- Parish incomes fall 15% due to scandals and recession (Irish Times)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
