Salt of the Earth: Catholic donors' group calls . . .

Social justice news
July 2002

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Big donors call for financial accountability from bishops
A national organization representing philanthropists who collectively donate $200 million each year to Catholic organizations is urging the U.S. bishops to undertake a nationwide audit or financial survey. The group says the audit should provide Catholics with information on money paid by dioceses in connection with clergy sexual abuse for at least the past two decades, including the source of those funds.

Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities, established in 1976 and based in Washington D.C., wrote a letter to Bishop Wilton Gregory, President of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, just before the bishops met in Dallas in June. In the letter, FADICA's president, Dr. Francis Butler, warned Gregory that without financial accountability on the history of sex abuse settlements, "donor uncertainty will increase."

Butler said that principals of the foundations "are very unhappy with this chapter in Catholic history. They want transparency."

Gregory responded to FADICA with a letter that Butler characterized as "very favorable." Gregory brought FADICA's request to the bishops' meeting and it has been sent to a committee that will come up with recommendations on episcopal accountability. The bishops will then vote on the proposal at their November meeting, according to Butler.

Butler said that while no formal campaigns have been waged to withhold funds, individuals are making their voices heard and many are putting into place requirements of financial disclosure before donating funds. "Dioceses will now have to answer questions when requesting funds," Butler said. "When they fill out forms for foundations, they may be asked questions about sex abuse history in the diocese, use of funds—such as counseling to victims—and what was the source of the funds."

One member of FADICA who Butler says would like to remain anonymous has actually met with the Congregation for Bishops in Rome to express his concern over the sex abuse crisis. "We are very conscious of our role and responsibility through our baptism," said Butler, "We are stewards of the church and our stewardship requires this."

Butler said the group is encouraged by Gregory's response and the promise for a vote in November, however "this is not agreement yet—that will come with a vote in favor of financial accountability—which is a necessary step in rebuilding trust. We need to get all that information."

Meanwhile, the Boston Globe reports that donations are lagging in the Archdiocese of Boston, and budget cuts of up to 40 percent are already being implemented, including to social service programs. The Cardinal's Appeal has only garnered $4.8 million in pledges this year. It raised $7.5 million one year ago. The Globe reports that inner-city Catholic schools may face budget cuts of 15 percent this fiscal year, beginning July 1, and archdiocesan salaries have been frozen.

In contrast, the Tampa Bay Tribune says that according to local church leaders, donations remain steady in the Tampa diocese. —Tara Dix

For more information:
FADICA news release
Charter for the protection of children and young people
Boston Globe coverage of ongoing scandal

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