US Federal Judge - Rome Cannot Have It "Both Ways"

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington is appealing an Aug 26 federal bankruptcy decision by Judge Patricia Williams, who "dismissed the Spokane diocese's claims that the bishop there, William Skylstad, had no control over parish assets." This is quoted from the Sept 9 issue of 'The National Catholic Reporter,' in an article titled, "Diocesan Bankruptcies Raise Church Ownership Issues."

Bishop Skylstad is trying to wiggle out of this ruling, saying the individual churches, and not the diocese, own the properties.

Some Catholic dioceses' (like Spokane) are trying the bankruptcy angle in order to avoid paying for sex abuse lawsuits. The article said:

"Church lawyers argue that diocesan assets do not extend beyond the central administrative office of the diocese, the chancery. The idea is...'to reduce the size of the bankrupt estate so that much less money' is available to creditors."

Comment – The Catholic Church is claiming that all a diocese owns are its chancery office??? This is laughable!! Catholics and ex-Catholics KNOW better.

Furthermore, in the Spokane case the Catholic lawyers:

"Contended that canon law places parish holdings beyond the reach of the bishop. In addition, to subject canon law to civil judicial scrutiny violated constitutional protections related to 'free exercise' of religion."

Comment – So, Catholic lawyers say "canon law" should NOT be subject to "civil judicial scrutiny." This exposes the evil heart of Catholicism – Rome doesn't think IT should be bound by the laws of the land!

Thankfully, the judge saw through this Catholic flim-flam:

"In her ruling, Williams cited two previous disputes, one involving a group of parishioners who sought to prevent the demolition of a Catholic school, the other a lawsuit filed by a person injured on parish property. In both cases the Spokane diocese explicitly named Skylstad as 'owner' of parish properties. The diocese, implied Williams, was trying to have it both ways -- claiming control and ownership when that position suited its interests, disinterested beneficence when the situation called for another approach."

Comment – Judge Williams hit the nail right on the head!! The Catholic Church always wants to have it "both ways." This is typical Catholicism - changing the rules whenever they want.

We thank God for Judge Williams, and pray God gives American public officials the grace to see through the lies and deception of – the Roman Catholic Church.