Dana Point parishioner's lawsuit claims O.C. diocese mismanaged funds

Orange County (CA) Register ^

[cicero2k]

It was one thing when the faithful at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church raised $8 million to build a new parish center, then heard little more about the project.

But when they learned that the Diocese of Orange planned a $3 million renovation of their beloved church sanctuary – perched on a Dana Point precipice and designed to showcase spectacular ocean views – dozens balked, saying it seemed like a colossal waste of money. They sent a letter to church leadership, trying to stop the renovations and demanded a detailed accounting of money raised and spent.

They didn’t get far. And so last week, with a heavy heart, one longtime parishioner filed a lawsuit against the church and its administrator, the Rev. Brandon Manson, along with Bishop Kevin Vann and the Diocese of Orange, claiming breach of trust.

[cicero2k]

This one hit close to home. Bait and switch apparently. Raise money (8 million) for a Parish Center, then spend it on a main church remodel no one wanted. I just moved to the area and the main church is spectacular as is, but I would have fallen for the new parish center fund raiser and perhaps joined the effort. Come to find out, if the article is true, that fundraising for a cause is not a contract. But there may be a fraud in the inducement angle.

I was hoping that a parish would be a lawsuit free zone.

[Da Coyote]

I”m afraid my former church is perhaps even more corrupt than in medieval times.

Not that any of the other formerly mainstream churches are any better.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

It’s a potentially ground-breaking case that’s a microcosm of a larger issue the Watchdog has been talking about lately: Churches and their tax exempt status in America.

Do away with it, then have the parishioners call their tithing a "gift" and the Church can collect up to $20,000 a year from each parishioner tax-free.

Of course the Lefties would then scream about the "gifting loophole."

[forgotten man]

That church sits on some of the most expensive dirt in California.

[MrEdd]

Bullshit.

Do away with taxing things that are not commerce.

[surrey]

We went to a wedding here, a few years ago, and spent more time looking at the views than the bride. Spectacular.

[Jeff Chandler]

We went to a wedding here, a few years ago, and spent more time looking at the views than the bride. Spectacular.

I've seen photos of the church. It is a magnificent auditorium, but a lousy church, for the very reason you stated.