Boston archdiocese says unauthorized vigil shows parish church used for 'religious purposes'
September 22, 2011
In an effort to avoid taxes on the property of a parish that has been formally closed, the Boston archdiocese is claiming that the building is still being used “for religious purposes”—by a group that has occupied the church in defiance of orders from the archdiocese.
The town of Scituate, Massachusetts, has assessed a tax bill of $150,000 against the archdiocese, explaining that the usual exemption for Church property only applies if the property is used for religious purposes. To fight the tax bill, the archdiocese has sought testimony from the former parishioners who are holding an unauthorized vigil in the church.
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Posted by: DrJazz -
Sep. 23, 2011 8:55 AM ET USA
The Archdiocese should stop this nonsense of allowing former parishioners to occupy closed parishes. Once the decision is made to close a parish, escort everybody out; by force if necessary. If the media broadcast it and insinuate how horrible it is that "nice" Christians would be so "mean" as to forcibly remove the poor parishioners who just can't bear the thought of leaving "St. Bob's," kindly inform them that the Archdiocese is sticking by its decision.
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Posted by: samuel.doucette1787 -
Sep. 23, 2011 7:52 AM ET USA
Talk about a sleight of hand...the Archdiocese should be ashamed of itself.
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Posted by: Defender -
Sep. 22, 2011 7:15 PM ET USA
For the love of money....
