BOSTON (MA)
San Francisco Chronicle
By DENISE LAVOIE, Associated Press Writer
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
(04-19) 11:17 PDT BOSTON (AP) --
The scandal-battered Boston Archdiocese released a two-year audit Wednesday that showed it running a $46.3-million deficit. Cardinal Sean O'Malley warned the shortfall is threatening Roman Catholic work in the community.
The audit, which covered the 2004 and 2005 fiscal years, also shows assets of nearly $330 million, but most of the money is restricted or earmarked for specific purposes.
"When we look at the decrease in revenue over previous years, we see clearly that our programs and ministries are at risk," O'Malley wrote in a letter to parishioners that accompanied the audit.
"It is also clear that the revenue numbers reflect the painful experience of our recent past, the anger over the sexual abuse crisis and the closing of parishes," O'Malley wrote. "These numbers are one response of a wounded community, an expression of deep hurt and a measure of our need to remain focused on the long process of healing that lies ahead."