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April 5th, 2014
04:48 PM ET
Archbishop to vacate $2.2 million mansionBy Chandrika Narayan, CNN, and Daniel Burke, CNN Belief Blog Co-Editor (CNN) - After coming under sharp criticism and issuing an apology earlier this week, the Archbishop of Atlanta announced Saturday that he would vacate his $2.2 million mansion in early May. The decision came after a meeting with members of several church councils and parishioners in Archbishop Wilton Gregory's headquarters north of Atlanta. "I want to thank those parishioners whose prayers, counsel and concern brought this issue to light and ensured that their Archbishop was properly attuned to the important symbolism of simple actions and the challenges faced by many of the faithful in the Archdiocese of Atlanta," Gregory said in a statement. There were nearly 60 people present at the closed-door meeting, said Pat Chivers, communications director for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. They included members of the Archdiocesan Pastoral and Finance Council, the Council of Priests and parishioners of differing points of view, "He listened to everyone's concern ... there is tremendous love and respect for Archbishop Gregory, and support for his decision to move forward," Chivers said. Gregory moved into the 6,000-square-foot home in Atlanta's upscale Buckhead neighborhood in January. It was built on land donated by Joseph Mitchell, nephew of "Gone With the Wind" novelist Margaret Mitchell. The property will be sold and the proceeds invested in the needs of the Catholic community, according to the statement. The archbishop will move into another available Archdiocesan property. Earlier this week, Gregory publicly apologized for building the mansion. "What we didn't stop to consider, and that oversight rests with me and me alone, was that the world and the Church have changed," Gregory wrote Monday in the archdiocesan newspaper. The archbishop's apology came just days after the Pope accepted the resignation of Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst, also known as the "Bling Bishop," who spent $42 million renovating his residence in Limburg, Germany. Since his election last year, Francis has repeatedly urged Catholics to focus on income inequality and the suffering of society's marginalized. "Oh, how I would like a poor Church, and for the poor," he has said. The Pope himself has eschewed many of the trappings of papal life, living in a small apartment in the Vatican guesthouse instead of the sumptuous apartment in the Apostolic Palace, and traveling in a small car instead of a limousine. Francis' example has put pressure on American bishops to adopt similarly austere lifestyles, and it has emboldened rank-and-file Catholics to call them out if they fall short. In the past year, Archbishop Jon Myers of Newark, New Jersey, has been criticized for planning $500,000 to outfit his retirement home with a elevator, exercise pool, hot tub and library. Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, New Jersey, was slammed for spending the same amount on a mansion in the suburb of Woodbury while presiding over one of the state's poorest cities. Catholics in Charleston, West Virginia, have written to the Pope's ambassador, asking him to probe construction costs, including $7.5 million spent on the chancery, the diocese's central offices, according to the Charleston Gazette. In Atlanta, Gregory said he had received "many ... heartfelt, genuine and candidly rebuking" e-mails, phone calls and letters during the past week. "I failed to consider the impact on the families throughout the Archdiocese who, though struggling to pay their mortgages, utilities, tuition and other bills, faithfully respond year after year to my pleas to assist with funding our ministries and services," the archbishop said.
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The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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Jesus did say to give all your money to the poor. You've taken an important first step Mr. Archbishop.
better to hide your wealth you stole from good people, says the humble pope with fortunes.
The vatican's popes, cardinals and bishops are con men.
>>he would vacate his $2.2 million mansion in early May.
this is the Pope's real problem.
it is not "his" – but he thinks he "deserves" it.
time for a full blown housecleaning at the Church.
Tax atheism! Freedom FROM atheism 2014!
Anti-atheists are just rebelling against the lack of supernatural despots, when they really do know in their heart that no gods exist.
/sarcasm
I think your actually talking about atheists. You know In your heart that God exists, that's why you spend so much time trying to convince others. I think you are really trying to convince yourself.
atheism is about honesty. Atheist will not tell you to believe in something that doesn't exist.
Atheism requires intellect, breaking away from religious cults and practicing honesty with self.
You saw the /sarcasm tag right? It's a bad argument when theists use it, but since you're a fan on attempting to invert arguments...
Well, well; What can I say that I haven't said yet? More Evidence on top of more Evidence that Idolatry like atheism/evolution are all Absolute, Complete and Total Stupidity forevermore!!!
" Absolute, Complete and Total Stupidity forevermore!!!"
That's not even an argument. Sure you aren't 12, instead of 21.
!!!!
Of course IS NOT!!! Is a STRONG comment which can be made in a Blog like this. And I'm being Nice about what I think of atheism, evolution and Idolatry. Is also a Statement of Faith and/or Belief. Maybe you'll understand when you reach 12. In the mean time; Does your mom knows you're not in bed yet?
As I said there was no argument about which to make a comment.
In addition, perhaps your mother makes you go to bed at 3pm ET (look at the timestamp on my comment), but adults generally stay up later.
you may believe you never evolved. I would agree with you. Hope you do one day.
Do you mean to tell me that you did evolve? From what did you evolve, from a spinning top?
Cool! The Pope walks the walk, and he's getting others to follow!
easy to pretend sacrifice when you have a cushion of wealth. Also easy to promote 'humble'.
Sort of places it all into perspective, a con. As usual.
What is really a shame is i just went thru my closets today, getting ride of some really nice clothes that i dont wear any more, and going to drop them off at the local church so the people of this area who can not buy clothes and have to buy food can get some nice clothes for free. we are only talking a few hundred dollars for me, but for someone that has nothing it means the world to them. And they are free. and i do this with nobody knowing who is doing this. It is the best i can do temperarily in my position to help the less fortunate,.
"What is really a shame is i just went thru my closets today"
I am sorry.
I am not sorry, i feel good about it, someone that is less fortunate is going to get some clothes, nothing to be sorry about, it makes me feel good to help someone.
I am afraid they will just sell your nice clothes that you don't need for drugs and alcohol. If you sold the clothes, you could buy drugs and alcohol.
YOU ARE SICK,,,,
I am just saying, it is a concern. You could enjoy a nice Pinot Noir but your call is to give the clothes to homeless people. You know they won't have them pressed but whatever.
Oh, I see what you are up to now. Got it.
Why is that a shame? You have done a good thing. Must be some context missing here. . .
Nothing missing, other than the the realization, Someone of the church waste 2 million dollars on a house, and i am trying to clothe some less fortunate, it is a comparison, the wonton waste as compared to someone who cares for those less fortunate.
Ok, I now understand better.
No bad and with the sale he will get enough of a kick back to still live in style. NJ Bishop is doing the same but Jersey faithful are used to being used as their Governor is using them too. Many new church leaders are stepping up for the money as they only have to get involved with politics and get the faithful to blindly follow and money is made.
You NOTICE it was reported he will VACATE the property, nothing said about selling it, and giving the money back to the church to help the people.. VACATE means he will leave it, NOT sell it, I imagine he will lay low till the pressure backs off, then move back in. He is NOT NOT a LEADER of GOD or the people, HE IS FULL OF GREED. For about 250,000 dollars i could buy and build a really great place for the people of GOD.
The property will be sold and the proceeds invested in the needs of the Catholic community, according to the statement.
You NOTICE it was reported he will VACATE the property, nothing said about selling it, and giving the money back to the church to help the people.. VACATE means he will leave it, NOT sell it, I imagine he will lay low till the pressure backs off, then move back in. He is NOT NOT a LEADER of GOD or the people, HE IS FULL OF GREED. For about 250,000 dollars i could buy and build a really great place for the people of GOD to come to.
Sad but true, even our most faithful or so we thought, getting involved for the money, REMEMBER JESUS CHRIST had no home and lived amoung the less fortunate, He was rich with believe, but poor in monitary value,,, MONEY IS NOT THE ANSWER FOR HAPPINESS.
Another example of GREED hiding behind the cloth. He is only sorry because he got caught, How disgusting!!!!!!! No wonder our country is in such disrepair, the people whom we are supposed to trust are screwing us to the core. All the hunger and poverty in this country and we have a person like this that is taking advantage of his position and power, I hope GOD forgives you, but i also hope you rot in hell.
In another article it said that his former house was being enlarged to house the priests. Why can't he live with the other priests?
Tax the churches!
Man I need to become a priest!! No wonder those guys are so loyal to god..$500,000 in renos when the people who are funding the church live in straight poverty..that's ruthless!
@thefinisher1
You make me want to reach out to you and take your hand. You are so sad and lonely. Even as I write this I am tearing up. I have never seen anyone crying out for attention and help so much as you. Bless you and I hope you can find some happiness.
Look under a rock ignorant, carnal atheists and see what life you will find there in the slime. Will you love the life you find or be selfish and have a clam bake with satan who is evil? My clam is baking right now because it is unseasonably warm. Read Jesus’ gift to us, the Holy Bible and be saved.
Amen.
My invisible pink unicorn is praying that you get a clue.
Atheists are always throwing dust in the air and hoping to build a beach to go surfing in satan’s surf. My camel-toe was handy during the flood. Make sure you are on the side of Jesus when you hang ten or your beach will be lava rocks.
Amen.
hope you better soon.
Just keep it up prideful atheist and see where it gets you when death knocks on your dim-witted skull (head). My camel-toe did not get searched but the evidence was there. Eat your atheist dinner with your father satan and burn the roof of your mouth on hot pizza.
Amen.
HS,
did you see where the yoga pants companies have begun re-weaving their products...you should invest. That'll take care of the problem.
'camel-toe',, so you are a woman. Or a gay priest with a friendly name for your behind.
"Make sure you are on the side of Jesus when you hang ten or your beach will be lava rocks."
That's for sure, Heaven Sent. And now that some of these sinners can smoke their wacky weed where they live, we know the closest they'll get to the beach is looking at their lava lamps like they are hypnotized by Satan's eyes (who is the Devil).
Sinners will learn that the Bible is 100% true in every facet. Studies have proven that religious people are more intelligent than atheists. My camel-toe has a favorite lava lamp. Join with the Lord (who is Jesus) or burn in flames.
Amen.
"Studies have proven that religious people are more intelligent than atheists."
WHOA! hold up, go google "iq vs. religiousity". That study has been done and you are flat out lying with that claim! It's the exact opposite.
If an atheist became president, would he(or she) ban peoples freedom to practice their religion? Nothing stopped Stalin from killing thousands of religious people including women and children in churches. Why they make religion illegal because they claim their opinions are superior and right? If an atheist became president, millions of religious people would die or be forced to convert to atheism. Atheism is a brutal and unloving force!
You are really weird.
No, no, no. Lefties are really weird.
"Libertyguard"...isn't that a brand of adult urinary incontinence undergarments?
i think that is where libertyguard got his or her name
aren't "liberty" and "guard" diametrically opposed?
Except in the case of undergarments....you have the liberty to pee in a guarded....well, you know...
Poe trollism
That's you, troll Doris.
You make me want to reach out to you and take your hand. You are so sad and lonely. Even as I write this I am tearing up. I have never seen anyone crying out for attention and help so much as you. Bless you and I hope you can find some happiness...
Such ridiculous spreading of fear. By the way, what are you even doing on a computer or on the internet? Don't you know it's all run by 'non-believers'?
Fear? Wrong. Facts.
Care to explain? Because all I ever hear is this religious gang warfare on a constant basis. This is why I am glad I became a Deist.
@thefinisher1,
"If an atheist became president, millions of religious people would die or be forced to convert to atheism"
Are you a prophet now?
You commit a Godwin fallacy, only with Stalin.
Stalin committed atrocities in the name of his brand of Communism, not Atheism. There is nothing in Atheism that requires its members to do anything, let alone kill anyone.
Never mentioned "in the name of atheism". Please get your eyes checked, son.
p.s. I never said you did.
@thefinisher1.
You clearly implied the cause as Atheism by connecting Stalin's atrocities to some future Atheist president.
Get your writing checked, son. (and check your patronizing att.itude as well)
He was an atheist that hated religion. See the connection yet? Never said "in the name of atheism", dumb troll.
@thefinisher1,
I never said that you did. dumb theist.
"hatred" of religion is not required by Atheism, disbelief in god(s) is the only requirement.
misread "dumb troll" as "dumb atheist"
Stalin learned from his ministry upbringing.
Dictators and religions are quite the same. Both love to control, make up stories and use fears to make people believe their made up stories.
Oops, both also have committed the worst crimes against humanity.
Funny how they don't investigate beyond what their apologetical texts tell them...All their favorite atheists have been deeply influenced by their religious cultural upbringing.
You know, Christian Fiction is a burgeoning, multi-million dollar industry...you should submit your stories.
I like the bible opening story of how they guessed the universe was created. They knew so little back then, making stuff up was the tribal way.
It is illogical to assume that would be the case because there are many atheists and theists that believe we truly all can get along. To embrace labeling of any group only shows your stupidity and inability to embrace humanity.
lol.. I don't think an Atheist would. When it comes to Stalin, his was a religion of "Self" worship. The cult of personality.
Atheists aren't a group or a block of people that believe EXACTLY the same thing. There are some of us that are libertarian, conservative, and many times liberal. We are all considered to think the same thing because many Christians or fundies are conservative and think that somehow we're like them.
What many of us want is for our government to not be regulated by any religion or to hold true to the "Treaty of Tripoli" where we took the stance of a government that keeps no endorcement of any religion, especially Christianity.
Stalin didn't have a senate, a house, and a Supreme Court and he didn't win a general election. He didn't have an extremely well-armed population, well able to fight back against oppression. Atheists are not, by default, bloodthirsty murdering psychopaths. Nice analogy though. Shows where you are on the "sane and thoughtful" scale.
If we are all born atheists, then atheism is the source of the bloodshed! Your argument is based on a lie. Grow up.
Doesn't the same logic apply to your supposed God, the source of everything?
"If we are all born atheists, then atheism is the source of the bloodshed! "
Lol – I must have missed the great atheist toddler war...
"would he(or she) ban peoples freedom to practice their religion?"
Not without violating the Const!tution?
Do you have anything to say that isn't completely absurd?
I hope you don't own guns. You are really scary. Check in with your preacher or priest. They will find help for you.
Didn't this article already run a few days ago?
before ANYONE claims the pope or bishops are honest people..
The bishops lobby to stop laws to deny children victims. Imagine a child forcibly so=d=omized,, then threatened. The child will go into isolation until later adulthood. Many face mental illness and others committed suicide as a result. Now to see the catholic bishops with the help of the pope lobbying against them.
Stopping laws which would expose the truth is practicing dishonesty, lying. Yet honesty is the greatest healer. Reputation and pride are more important than destroyed lives.
This IS the catholic church. All about themselves first.
Apparently the word 'forgiveness' is not in your dictionary. You want facts? People have been trying to "buy" their way into Heaven by giving their money to the Church for millenia. The Priests that take it are men, therefore prone to sin, and every time that trend starts God, in His Wisdom, sends someone the straghten out that path. St. Francis fought greed (one of the Seven Deadly Sins) in his day, hopefully the people will listen to our Francis as well.
you do understand the worst crimes were the cover ups, RIGHT? Traumatized children left to cope alone are at the greatest risk to mental illness and ultimate suicide. This is what the cover ups enabled, let alone many more children to be abused.
Forgiveness? How silly.. Forgive while the children abused suffer? You mean to continue the cover ups.
You are a selfish one for sure. If charlie manson only knew,, just forgive and he'd be free,
You are a good catholic,, Just keep on destroying those already suffering from the abuses.
Bingo. Screw forgiveness. This is about justice.
Jesus said He would send unto us teachers, having itchy ears. Prideful atheists believe the lies of the devil and spew his hatred. They only took the cushions, so I had a place to sleep. Read the Bible, it is your guide to life.
Amen.
Should Leviticus 25:44 be my guide?
You are too ill informed and uneducated to know anything about Cathoilcs or the church. All your posts indicate as much. Study and think before posting blanket and benign statements.
Catholic charities is run primarily off US tax payers. Donations from parishioners only accounts for 3%.
We need to END ALL GRANTS, period.
Government is too incompetent and corrupt to help the suffering. If it wasn't for charities which most are religious, many people would not get the help they need. Think before you write.
wrong.. In fact religious charities keep the needy,, needy. Cheap and half asz services
You carnal atheists come on these articles to spew the lies of satan, who is the devil. I hope you like fried eggs because you will spend eternity in your father's kitchen (hell). I had to move one of the puppies from the tub to the oven. It is time for you to start your walk with Jesus.
Amen.
I see, you've exposed your fear.
You are proof brainwashing in the catholic church exists.
Foolish, arrogant atheist. Always thinking you are a mini god and angry at Jesus for being the Lord. The FBI returned my couch cushions. Don't find yourself on the wrong side of the tracks.
Amen.
hope you get better one day.
You might want to start by reading the bible with an open mind. Once you have finally opened your mind, it will come to you that the bible is much like a book written by small children guessing how the world was created, primitive men who didn't know better.
Did they give back the couch or just the cushions?
@ugetthefacts
You are the one counting the seconds until you fry in your father's basement, which is hell. Prideful and arrogant atheist won't take Jesus into your heart. I keep the flea and tick shampoo in the shower next to the shampoo. Keep throwing rocks at the tin can and see where you go.
Amen.
HS
Why do the fleas and ticks need shampoo?
Hi, Heaven Sent..welcome back...you've been missed.
If you read the shampoo bottle warnings, it says it's only good for fleas. The ticks suffer intense irritation unless you dilute it 2 parts HCl.
Oh, and glad to hear the kid has stopped smoking. The atheists here will keep praying for her kid's smoking habit.
Heaven sent, wanting others to burn in hell is not a Christ-like character. You are rejoicing they will burn in hell. What person does that?
tf1: "Heaven sent, wanting others to burn in hell is not a Christ-like"
Well maybe not for you. But it was just a couple of years ago a group sacrificed a baby to a bonfire, claiming it was an antichrist. The AP article said most of the members of the group had college degrees. There are just a LOT of different kinds of Christians.
Blanket beliefs and statement are the true indicator that your intellect is small. Just because someone posts a crazy statement is not an indicator they are Catholic or that it represents what Catholics believe. Get smarter before you post.
As opposed to your priests who are raping little boys and spending multiple millions on mansions? Honey, at least I live in honest life even if I think it's all garbage.
I hope you like worms because you spend will an eternity in hell with your own personal worm feeding of your fat drippings. My 12-year-old daughter stopped smoking but her kids still do. Read Jesus' gift to us the Holy Bible and find peace.
Amen.
lol, actually, I will be eating ambrosia and drinking nectar with the fictional greek gods instead of basking in your fictional gods glory for all eternity.
agreed.
"I hope you like fried eggs because you will spend eternity in your father's kitchen (hell)."
Very true, Heaven Sent. It's like that commercial against drugs where they showed burnt up eggs. Except instead of "this is your brain on drugs", it's "this is your brain on Jesus". No wait, it's "this is your brain on no Jesus".
What a loving god you believe in that puts all in an eternal fire. Its do it my way or die. I'me a PROUD ATHEIST!
I find it funny when Christians say that "I'm going to burn in hell" because I don't believe in Jesus and have renounced my faith. According to the Jews, who Christians stole the books and the stories from, there is no hell with pitchforks and eternal hellfire.
The actual chance that you actually have studied (not read) the Bible is extremely small. I doubt you are not qualified to discuss what it contains or means from a historical or theological perspective
lol, actually you will find that atheists HAVE read the book. That's why they don't believe it. You will also find that most theists HAVEN'T read the book, and that's what they believe it.
So, you are saying Jews DO believe in hell?
moiraesfate,
Keep in mind, the calculating device that the Christian's use has its own unique sums, quotients, and products. Thus, "the little chance" is the only answer he could come up with.
Their happy arrogant ignorance keeps them from realizing the accuracy of what you've said.
Carnal Asada. Yum.
It must be nice for some of you to think you can just throw a man out of his home and onto the street because he has half decent taste.
You bet they can. The church leaders take a vow of poverty on taking their positions. $2.2 million (or more) is NOT a vow of poverty.
BS.. it's all about money and power. Especially the catholic church. ie anti contraceptives? Bishops costing us our taax dollars with their frivolous law suits fighting HC mandates.
As a conservative,, I say tax the religions and NO MORE grants to them.
Of course it is. That's all almost any religion is about. Money and power and convincing everyone else that they should give them both "because we are the chosen on a deity". I can name on one hand the number of religions that aren't about power, and NONE of those are the abrahamic religions (christianity, islam, judaism). And even then... it's probably just not as obvious as it currently should be that they are greedy.
Czech I do hope you are being sarcastic. I think it is extremely INDECENT for him to take charitable funds meant for the impoverished and build such a large estate. It is a great example of the hypocrisy of a lot of religions. I can't stand the televangelist Pat Robertson who preys on the desperate and unintelligent to fund his arragant lifestyle.
That tacky little McMansion? Surely you jest.