Atlanta archbishop apologizes for lavish residence
This Sunday’s psalm pledges forgiveness from the Lord for personal wrongdoings. Roman Catholic Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta apologized Monday for building a new $2.2 million mansion as his residence, a decision . . .
This Sunday’s psalm pledges forgiveness from the Lord for personal wrongdoings. Roman Catholic Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta apologized Monday for building a new $2.2 million mansion as his residence, a decision criticized by local Catholics who cited the example of austerity set by the new pope.
Gregory recently moved into the nearly 6,400-square-foot residence. Its construction was made possible by a large donation from the estate of Joseph Mitchell, nephew of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With The Wind, the Civil War epic novel that made his family wealthy. When Mitchell died in 2011, he left an estate worth more than $15 million to the archdiocese on the condition it be used for "general religious and charitable purposes."
Gregory said that he has received criticism over the spending in letters, emails, and telephone messages. "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," he said in his published remarks.
In January a group of local Catholics met with the archbishop and asked that he sell the large home and return to his old residence. They cited the example of Pope Francis, who turned down living quarters in a Vatican palace and drives a simple car.
"The example of the Holy Father, and the way people of every sector of our society have responded to his message of gentle joy and compassion without pretense has set the bar for every Catholic and even for many who don't share our communion," Gregory said. "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.”
The Catholic leader said he will discuss the situation with several diocesan councils, including a special meeting of its finance council. If church representatives want the bishop to sell the home, Gregory said he will do so and move elsewhere.
Homily hint: Archbishop Gregory’s credit, he has taken responsibility and is responding to the call to a more humble lifestyle. All of us can stumble, especially if we have been entrusted with great power and authority. But together we can find our way toward a more Christ-like witness and simple living.
Gregory recently moved into the nearly 6,400-square-foot residence. Its construction was made possible by a large donation from the estate of Joseph Mitchell, nephew of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With The Wind, the Civil War epic novel that made his family wealthy. When Mitchell died in 2011, he left an estate worth more than $15 million to the archdiocese on the condition it be used for "general religious and charitable purposes."
Gregory said that he has received criticism over the spending in letters, emails, and telephone messages. "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," he said in his published remarks.
In January a group of local Catholics met with the archbishop and asked that he sell the large home and return to his old residence. They cited the example of Pope Francis, who turned down living quarters in a Vatican palace and drives a simple car.
"The example of the Holy Father, and the way people of every sector of our society have responded to his message of gentle joy and compassion without pretense has set the bar for every Catholic and even for many who don't share our communion," Gregory said. "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.”
The Catholic leader said he will discuss the situation with several diocesan councils, including a special meeting of its finance council. If church representatives want the bishop to sell the home, Gregory said he will do so and move elsewhere.
Homily hint: Archbishop Gregory’s credit, he has taken responsibility and is responding to the call to a more humble lifestyle. All of us can stumble, especially if we have been entrusted with great power and authority. But together we can find our way toward a more Christ-like witness and simple living.
Source: An article by Ray Henry for the Associated Press