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Irish dioceses acknowledge financial woes

CWN - 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.

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  • Posted by: normnuke - Aug. 21, 2011 9:11 PM ET USA

    I'll bet said Catholic officials chewed many a pencil to the nub to come up with that list of causes in that order. Ah, sure now! The recession. No global warming?

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