Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington

(The following statement was read at an Aug. 26 press conference held at the Catholic Pastoral Center in Spokane, Wash., by Father Steve Dublinski, Vicar General, on behalf of Bishop William Skylstad, who was out of the United States, traveling on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.)

PRESS RELEASE
August 26, 2005

From Bishop William Skylstad:

Initially, we would like to thank Judge Patricia Williams for the concern, focus, and attention which she has devoted to the issue of the Property of the Estate in the Catholic Diocese of Spokane’s Chapter 11 Proceeding. I am not an attorney, but I am certain the decision was not easy to make. We are grateful for her hard work and for the dedication which this matter required. However, in view of the significance of this decision, not only to the local Church, but nationally, I have instructed our attorneys to appeal her decision. On June 27, the day of the legal arguments on this issue, Judge Williams herself stated that she fully expected her decision to be appealed no matter which way she ruled.

From the beginning, one of our stated goals – indeed, our essential responsibility – was to seek fairness for victims of sexual abuse, while continuing the mission and ministry of the Catholic Church in Eastern Washington. That goal, that responsibility, has not changed. Because that goal remains unchanged, we have no choice but to appeal this decision.

We appeal this decision because we have a responsibility, not only to victims, but to the generations of parishioners – past, present, and yet to come – who have given so generously of themselves in order to build up the work of the Catholic Church in Eastern Washington. Over 80 parish communities bear witness to the dedication, the sacrifice, and the intention of thousands of individuals and families. Families who sacrificed, who did without, who denied themselves in order to build faith communities in Walla Walla, in Pasco, in Okanogan, in Spokane, and all throughout our diocese. Their sacrifice, their generosity, and their intent cannot be dismissed lightly. These good people built a legacy that continues today. Out of respect for their sacrifice, to honor their generosity, to live up to the trust they placed in my predecessors, in me, and in my successors, I have a sacred responsibility and am duty bound to protect that legacy for our communities today, and in the future.

The Court’s decision has national consequences. Its impact will be felt, not just by Catholic communities, but by many other church communities, of any denomination, of any faith expression. The decision influences the relationship between various church communities within a denomination, and church communities as they relate to civil authority. In the meantime, let me assure everyone that ministry will continue in Eastern Washington. Our parish schools will continue to educate, forming children in the Catholic faith and tradition. Our parish communities will continue to celebrate the sacraments, to comfort the sick and the dying, to celebrate births and marriages, to welcome newcomers as they journey in faith. We will continue to gather as Christ has asked us to gather, in his name, and we do so in the sure and certain knowledge that where one or two of us come together in his name, Christ is in our midst.

As our appeal moves ahead, we now look forward to filing our reorganization plan and our disclosure statement. We look forward to emerging from Chapter 11 Reorganization. We look forward to a brighter future, a future in which children and vulnerable adults are safe and protected; in which ministry is conducted in a safe environment; a future in which we can continue to do God’s work in service to the people of Eastern Washington.