Judge Dismisses Lawsuits in Holyoke Catholic Church Dispute; Says Case Is up to the Vatican

The Republic
February 6, 2012

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/e1de48d4cf2b4d7b89acfb276b40d553/MA--Church-Closing-Vigil/

A Massachusetts judge says the future of a Holyoke church where parishioners have been holding a 24-hour vigil to protest its closure by the Springfield Diocese is up to the Vatican.

The Hampden Superior Court dismissed a trespassing lawsuit brought against Mater Dolorosa parishioners by Springfield Bishop Timothy McDonnell, and also dismissed countersuits by those in vigil. The judge ruled Friday the dispute is a church matter not to be decided by American civil courts.

But the diocese said Monday it's considering an appeal because the court is denying its rights as a property owner.

Attorney Victor Anop (ANN'-up), a spokesman for parishioners in vigil, called it a victory for religious freedom.

Parishioners have been in vigil since June when the diocese closed the 115-year-old church, citing deep debt and a structurally unsound steeple.