Washington D.C., Sep 7, 2018 / 12:41 pm
A U.S.-based organization of Catholic business executives announced Thursday that it is placing its annual donation to the Holy See in escrow until it can receive clarification on questions of financial accountability.
"We certainly pledge our continued devotion to Holy Mother Church, and recognize the tithe has been an important commitment of Legatus since our founding," said a September 6 letter to Legatus members from Chairman and CEO Thomas Monaghan.
"However, in light of recent revelations and questions, we believe it appropriate to respectfully request clarification regarding the specific use of these funds."
Legatus is an organization of Catholic business leaders with more than 80 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. The group's tithe to the Holy See this year would have been about $820,000, according to the Wall Street Journal.