Dublin's Catholic archdiocese is close to a 'state of financial
collapse' according to a leaked consultation document from its Council
of Priests, details of which are printed in today's Irish Catholic
newspaper.
The document says many parishes are in a precarious financial position, close even to a state of financial collapse.
The document blames decreasing levels of collections due to the
economic downturn and declining participation at mass.
It also cites the
ongoing cost of compensatory settlements made to victims of clerical
abuse.
This, the document says, has led to reserves the diocese has built up over decades being spent.
It suggests that all central administration posts must be assessed
and pay cuts in line with public service pay reductions must be
considered by diocesan agencies and parish workers.
The document proposes the possibility of a parish based levy on
Catholic families in the parish, which could raise up to €3m a year.
A spokeswoman for the archdiocese confirmed the existence of the
document, saying it was aimed at addressing the economic realities
facing the archdiocese.
She said to make no changes would have serious financial consequences.
It is understood that members of the Council of Priests, which
advises the archdiocese, have been asked to consider the document, speak
with priests at parish level and report back on their findings and
proposals to a meeting in September.
Already, diocesan staff have seen a significant reduction in their
pension provisions and have
had their pay frozen over the past three
years.
Priests' salaries, which are tied to collections, have also reduced by 6%.