Maureen
Dascanio Cheshire, MA
Our
country was built around the separation of Church and State. It
should remain that way and "churches" should not be allowed
to give money to political candidates, PACs, or special interest
groups whose only mission is to undermine the rights of citizens
because of their race, religion, sexual preference, etc.
Richard
Jette Adams, MA
The
Diocese should follow the rules that apply to every other non-profit
organization in Massachusetts.
Barbara
Racine Adams, MA
When
the Church refuses to be held accountable, you know they are hiding
something.
Elaine
Whitman Hancock, MA
The
people who support the church should have a full accounting. Good
decision making requires that the facts be available and accessible.
John
Tarsa Adams, MA
The
church is supported by the people therefore the books should be open
to the people. This not only applies to the diocese but at the parish
level too.
Mark
White Beverly, MA
Accountability
is one of the best ways to keep checks and balances on corporations.
Joseph
Borucki South Hadley, MA
With
millions of retirement money missing, donations are not going for
what they were given for. Reports published in flyers do not tell the
whole picture. Books should be open, and the public [given] the right
to view. Every group has people who do not follow all the rules, the
church is no exception. The people have given less to the churches
because of the economy, but may support them more if a watchdog is
created, knowing it is going where it is intended.
John
Thompson NY, NY
Institutions
like the Catholic Church are given tax payer money to do 'charity
work' but there is no accounting how these tax dollars are spent. The
Catholic Church may be the largest institution that purchases child
sexual abuse insurance to keep the cost of paying for their priests
who rape children as low as possible. This insurance is usually
included in their 'liability insurance' so they can hide it. I do not
want my tax dollars used by the Catholic Church to pay their child
sexual abuse insurance premiums. The church must be made to account
for every single penny of tax dollars they spend or lose their tax
exempt status.
Betty
Lou Kishler Chaumont, NY
Religious
figures have no right to get involved with politics
Alice
B Younger Stratford, WI
Because
what happens in one State will affect all the State's in the US. We
all need to be aware of what is happening all around us or we will
end up like the Holocaust.
Katherne
Goodnow Lenexa, KS
Read
the article. It says it all!
[Katherine refers to: "Earthy Concerns" in The Economist]
Paul
Sullivan Tega Cay, SC
The
Catholic Church needs transparency on all levels as bad as they need
oxygen.
Frank
Walterman Hebron, KY
Transparency
and accountability are needed to rebuild real trust
Tim
Little Oakland, CA
The
church should not be involved in politics, The church should only
feed the hungry, clothe the naked and house the poor. Period!
Janet
Hauter South Barrington, IL
There
is sufficient evidence of mismanagement of donations. It is crucial
that the Catholic Church account for its money since they knowingly
or unknowingly "hide" what they spend and on what. It's
time to hold them to the same rules as others.
Chris
Murphy Atlanta, GA
Since
the diocesan corporations involve themselves with and seek influence
in political issues by spending money, they should be required to
file reports as other corporations do.
Richard
Byrne Staunton, VA
Churches
involved in strictly civic activities need to be accountable like
everyone else.
Gaile
Pohlhaus Media, PA
Because
we all should be accountable to one another.
Mark
Crawford Avenel, NJ
Such
institutions act "above the law" and their secrecy allows
this "abuse of power" to flourish. Mandate reporting as we
expect from ALL other institutions and organizations...transparency
is the best disinfectant.
Alfred
Kracher Apple Valley, MN
In a
democratic society openness about anything that affects public policy
is a necessity. Religious freedom is important, but it does not
require secrecy to flourish.
Paula
Ruddy Minneapolis, MN
Financial
transparency will enhance the health of the Catholic church.
Sarah
Kleman Houston, TX
Every
nonprofit has to follow these rules. Corporate churches should follow
suit.
Susan
Druffel Western Springs, IL
Transparency
is very important in any organization, but especially in the Catholic
Church. Without the truth, all else fails.
William
Lindsey Little Rock, AR
Churches
should be transparent and accountable in disclosing the use of their
finances--particularly when they engage heavily in political lobbying
and political activities, as the Catholic church frequently does
under its current leaders.
Fred
Daniels San Francisco, CA
When
an organization dedicates a significant amount of its time to
political activities, and controls a significant portion of our
healthcare, we should have transparency.
Anna
Cannon READING, United Kingdom
It is
vital that, in addition to preaching personal morality, the Church is
an example of honesty and integrity within societal structures and
does not place itself above the law.
Ana
Vicente Estoril, Portugal
Because
as a Roman Catholic I care about keeping the institutional church in
line with Gospel teaching and that obviously means that bishops not
only should be chosen by the community that they are to serve but
also be accountable in all ways - this must be so in the universal
church - USA, Europe etc.
Christopher
Pett Bath, United Kingdom
Because
honesty and accountability are the cornerstones of a fair and just
society
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