BishopAccountability.org
	Diocese to Pay for Finn's Defense, Catholics Sound off on How to Spend Offering Plate Money By Beth Vaughn NBC Action News November 8, 2011 http://www.nbcactionnews.com/dpp/news/local_news/diocese-to-pay-for-finn%27s-defense%2C-catholics-sound-off-on-how-to-spend-what%27s-in-the-offering-plate [with video] KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The money for Bishop Robert Finn’s defense team comes straight from the parishioners of the diocese he leads. The Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph has confirmed it is paying for his legal representation. The reasoning? He is an officer of the diocesan corporation. Those who contribute to the weekly offering plate don't all agree on how that money is spent. A twenty year member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Parish says he won't give another penny to the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph unless the bishop resigns. Three weeks ago, Finn was indicted on failure to report suspected child abuse. David Biersmith explained, “I feel like more of a Catholic when I'm delivering communion to somebody than I do sitting in a pew, putting money into a collection plate. It's that simple." So, Biersmith has rerouted his resources. “I'm starting to give my money to Bishop Sullivan Center,” he said, “And I feel good about that." Biersmith hopes the diocese notices the hole he’s leaving in the offering plate. That hole, he said, ensures that his wallet doesn't pay for Finn's legal fees. NBC Action News has been contacted by a number of Catholics who are also upset about their money funding Finn’s defense. However, not everyone is going to stop contributing to the offering plate. In fact, life-long Catholic, Bob Roper, is going to do the opposite. He said, “If anything, I may be increasing the amount of money that I contribute." Roper donates ten percent of his income to the church. Soon, that number could reach eleven percent or twelve. Roper explained, “I might increase my giving to defend someone who is innocent, Yea, that's very possible." He believes Bishop Finn has been wrongly accused and that withholding money will only limit the good the Catholic Church can offer the local community. Roper said, ‘If we withhold finances and funds, we are going to be affecting people who not involved in any way in this one issue and this one event." Schools, soup kitchens and charities shouldn't suffer for years to come, Roper says, over an issue that is blinding today. Roper explained, “It's not going to change whether Bishop Finn is defended or not.” Though, Biersmith encourages others to follow his lead to send a message to diocesan leaders. He said, “In some cases (Boston) it has worked. It really has got the attention of the diocese and that's what I hope we can do this way.”
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.