Columbus, Ohio Catholics - Guarding Their Wallets Closely

Bishop James Griffin of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio has hired Joseph Smith as his new diocesan chief financial officer. The Aug 20 issue of the Cleveland, Ohio 'Plain Dealer,' in an article titled, "Diocese ex-CFO to Get Same Job in Columbus," reported that this is the same:

"Joseph Smith (who) resigned from the Cleveland diocese in January under a cloud of suspicion, accused of accepting more than $750,000 from an accounting firm he had hired to work for the diocese."

The article also reported:

"The FBI is investigating the payments, and the diocese's insurance company reportedly has filed a claim against Smith to recoup the money."

A spokesman for the Cleveland diocese confirmed there is a criminal investigation against Smith, but declined to comment further.

Griffin, who in the early 1980s was assistant chancellor in the Cleveland diocese, has known Smith for over 20 years.

Roman Catholicism once again demonstrates itself to be a system where it doesn't matter what crimes you commit, be it sex abuse or embezzlement - but - are you friends enough with a bishop who will take care of you, no matter what the cost is to the average Catholic sitting in the pew?

We thank God for continuing to expose the wickedness of the Roman clergy. May God's Spirit use this to free more Catholics from their church, and give them faith ALONE in Jesus Christ for the full and free forgiveness of sins - NO Catholic priest or bishop required!