.- The Massachusetts Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill that would require religious organizations to disclose their financial records annually, like all other nonprofit and charitable groups.
The Senate approved the bill 33-4, reported the Associated Press. Supporters of the bill have said the lack of transparency helped the Church in Massachusetts hide the sex abuse scandal from the public, and one way to prevent a repeat is to make all financial records public.
The bill will now head to the House.
Catholic dioceses and other religious organizations have voiced their opposition to the bill.
Last month, Archbishop Sean O'Malley of Boston pledged full disclosure of the archdiocese's finances, including the sources of all clergy sex abuse payments and the fiscal health of every parish, but supporters of the bill were not satisfied by the diocese’s plan.
Church disclosure bill clears Massachusetts Senate
Related news
- U.S. releases list of countries that deny religious freedom
- New group aims to protect freedom of religion
- Vatican official says resolution to issue of religious freedom in Turkey urgent
- Vatican, Czech agreement moves closer to ratification, seeks to reform religious freedom laws, solve questions of siezed Catholic property
Related articles
* The number of messages that can be online is limited. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages
Featured Videos
May
24
Liturgical Calendar
May 24, 2013
Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary TimeAll readings:
Today »This year »
Catholic Daily
Gospel of the Day
Mark 10,1-12
Gospel
Date
05/24/13
05/23/13
05/22/13
Homily of the Day
Mark 10,1-12
Homily
Date
05/24/13
05/23/13
05/22/13
Most Popular
Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com
