Anyone have any ideas how a community can overule a diocese who want to put our social club up for sale leaving a large number of people without a social centre.Mostly the people are elderly,there is also a special needs group,we have tried a petition,we have tried to talk to the parish priest,written to the bishop,but presently to no avail.Why do these Catholic diocese's have so much power and always win by selling property that was originally paid for by the people but now appears to belong to the Church.It is very unfair.
2006-08-21 10:52:21 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A real example of Godliness, huh??? But you are also experiencing that which has been for centuries...there never was a separation between church & state, and yes, the Catholic church is one of the most powerful businesses in our world.
My personal advice is to check the property records--these are public & are usually at the local court house...do not be intimidated by office staff or the like, go with a few of the wiser of your community, it is your right to have access to these things.
If, in fact, the church bought this particular piece, you will also see the how & when of it...this can be made public through your local papers & meetings if you think that would be of benefit. You may have to hold a few fund raisers to find another suitable place to be, or perhaps, lease the bldg. for your functions...beware the fine print & "rules" by such a religious org., though.
Best to you all in your endeavors! Knowledge is power--get lots of it!
2006-08-21 11:08:39 · answer #1 · answered by msE758 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you've almost answered your own question.
If the club would have been at a Community Center instead of be ing affiliated with the church, it would belong to the community.
I'd suggest communicating with the local community leadership, and see if the Social Club could schedule their meetings in a public building. I'm confident a local school or university would be able to donate some space on a scheduled basis so the members of the Social Club could still have their meetings.
It's also possible a local business may be able to donate some space, especially those businesses frequented by Social Club members. But, this would only be a temporary solution, since private ownership has already let you down once. The generosity of local businesses may impress you, however.
The church has shown you where their priorities lie. Hopefully, the community in which you live will also be able to show you something, and hopefully it will be more positive. A letter to the editor of the local paper could stir some support for your cause.
Best of luck to you.
2006-08-21 18:07:14 · answer #2 · answered by wrdsmth495 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You raised an interesting point: Was the property funded by the public or directly by the church; if the former, then you might be able to stake a claim on the property as "A Community Funded Building".
I'd seek legal advice; perhaps in the first instance from a free sourse like the CAB.
Good luck.
2006-08-21 18:02:22 · answer #3 · answered by John S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the property does not belong to the people. The property belongs to the Church. Unfortunately, bishops are people, sinners one and all. If your diocese is selling off a center, it's probably because it's costing them more to keep it around than it is to sell it. If they are also in a financial crunch, they will sell off property. Sadly, this happens because Catholics are cheap. And I mean CATHOLICS. That's right, none of you tithe. Shame on you.
2006-08-21 18:01:22 · answer #4 · answered by gg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your town council, or supervisors or the mayor. Social centers perform many much needed services for the elderly and shut ins. Look for public funding, grants, talk to your representatives. I am sure that it would be a lot easier to find a way for YOUR GROUP to purchase the center, than to reason with the big Catholic machine.
2006-08-21 18:01:19 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rather than a petition, why don't you get people together to buy it for the community? Find another community group to buy it.
If it was paid for with church money, then the church can do with it as it pleases. Get some people together, start a new organization, and build a new community center.
2006-08-21 18:01:23 · answer #6 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont mince words. You're mad because their shutting down your gay-bar and replacing it with a place where old people can gather and play bingo. The Church will have to spend alot of money scrubbing the floors and walls to rid the place of stray HIV and e-coli from all the butt sex you people had there. I say it's a good thing. Now you'll have to bugger your boyfriend in the park and risk being eaten by warewolves!
2006-08-21 18:04:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to the Catholic church. Your only hope is to have a "reformation". But that will not help the old folkes, they will all be dead before you can organize and build a new center. Probably the fastest thing you can do ist organize as many as you can and publically tell the church you will no longer give to them. That will get their attention-if there is enough of you.
2006-08-21 18:05:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should appeal to your local city council. Or if that doesn't work, get it made into a landmark, the building will offically be protected by federal law from being torn down.
2006-08-21 18:02:53 · answer #9 · answered by gregtkt120012002 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get your local mp involved. Go to the newspapers and TV stations. Ask your local GP to support you. Bring it out into the open.
2006-08-21 18:00:42 · answer #10 · answered by daria 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋