Archbishop Gregory apologizes for building $2.2M home
April 01, 2014
Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta has apologized for using a bequest to construct a 6,400-square-foot residence at the cost of $2.2 million.
In an archdiocesan newspaper column, the prelate explained his reasons for vacating his current residence and building a home with “separate living quarters and common spaces, a large kitchen for catering, and lots of room for receptions and other gatherings.”
“I am disappointed that, while my advisors 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 said.
“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,” he added. “To all of you, I apologize sincerely and from my heart.”
Archbishop Gregory said that after consultation, he hoped that the archdiocese would sell the residence and that he “would look to purchase or rent something appropriate.”
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Further information:
- The archbishop responds (Georgia Bulletin)
- Atlanta archbishop apologizes over $2.2M mansion (AP)
- Questions rise about costs of new archbishop's residence in Atlanta (CWN, 3/25)
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Posted by: unum -
Apr. 02, 2014 9:10 AM ET USA
Change is happening in our Church. Thank God for Pope Francis leadership by example.
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Posted by: feedback -
Apr. 01, 2014 2:42 PM ET USA
That was a pretty quick reaction since it hit the news only a few days ago. I wish that Bishops would do something more useful with the annual diocesan appeal collections than just feed more and more useless bureaucracies.
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Posted by: Randal Mandock -
Apr. 01, 2014 12:04 PM ET USA
I have always felt fortunate to live and work in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. I will be sending a letter to the Archdiocese urging that the house not be sold but be converted for evangelic use. My daughter suggested this morning after hearing the news that the house be used as an adoption agency, crisis pregnancy center, Catholic medical clinic, soup kitchen, or for another charitable purpose.
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Posted by: Jason C. -
Apr. 01, 2014 7:44 AM ET USA
Isn't the recent German precedent here to resign? *fingers crossed*
