Massachusetts court hears arguments on decade-long occupation of closed church

July 23, 2015

A Massachusetts appeals court heard oral arguments on July 22 in the case involving the decade-long occupation of a parish church that has been closed by the Archdiocese of Boston.

The Friends of St. Francis X. Cabrini, who vigorously opposed the closing of their parish, have exhausted all canonical appeals. In May a Massachusetts trial court ruled that they must vacate the building. In their appeal, the group argues that their rights within the Church have been violated. William Dailey, attorney for the Archdiocese of Boston, countered that the case was one of trespassing, noting that the archdiocese has been forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars in maintenance of the church building because of the protest vigil.

The appeals court has said that the protesters can maintain their vigil until the case is decided, but the court has not indicated when it will render its decision. Dailey said that he anticipates any decision will be appealed to a higher court.

 

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Further information:

• Scituate parishioners, Boston archdiocese make arguments before appeals court (Patriot Ledger)
• Protesters will court reprieve; occupation of closed Boston parish will continue (CWN, 5/29)