Posted: March 5, 2014
In a recent speech, Pope Francis suggested he wants bishops who are "close to the people ... animated by inner poverty, the freedom of the Lord and also by outward simplicity and austerity of life." Meanwhile, the archbishop of Newark, New Jersey has decided that his existing weekend residence -- a 4,500-square-foot house with five bedrooms and an outdoor pool -- isn't big enough for his retirement.
The archdiocese is spending at least $500,000 on a 3,000-square-foot addition, including an additional indoor pool, hot tub, three fireplaces, and a second elevator.
Archbishop John J. Myers has had a controversial career -- he allowed priests accused of sexual abuse to continue working and he once issued a pastoral letter demanding that supporters of marriage equality refrain from receiving communion.
Many New Jersey Catholics say this is the last straw, and they'll stop contributing to the archdiocese fundraising appeals unless Archbishop Myers drops his plans for a huge retirement mansion.
Sign the petition:
Love thy neighbor.