Associated Press, carried in KXLY
February 16, 2006
http://www.kxly.com/news/index.php?sect_rank=1&story_id=456
SPOKANE -- An organization of 82 Catholic parishes in Eastern Washington is opposing Spokane Bishop William Skylstad's settlement offer of $45 Million to victims of sex abuse by priests.
The Association of Parishes contended the settlement raises the prospect that churches or schools will be sold to raise the money.
Skylstad, who is also head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, was out of town on Thursday and not available for comment, his office said.
The effect of the parishes' opposition is unclear, since a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge in this case previously ruled that the bishop controls all parish assets. The Association of Parishes has appealed that ruling.
The Association of Parishes was excluded from the negotiations between Skylstad and the victims.
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