Bill would force church to disclose its finances - The Boston Globe

Bill would force church to disclose its finances - The Boston Globe: "Bill would force church to disclose its finances
Attitude shifts on Beacon Hill

By Frank Phillips, Globe Staff | August 8, 2005

The Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, still dealing with the fallout from the clergy abuse crisis and upheaval over church closings, faces a major battle on Beacon Hill this week as lawmakers push for an unprecedented measure to force the church to open its books to the public.

The legislation, authored by state Senator Marian Walsh and backed by 32 other lawmakers, is being considered at a time when the church faces deep skepticism and in some cases open hostility from politicians on Beacon Hill and at City Hall. Some lawmakers who champion the bill, which will be brought up at a hearing Wednesday, previously stood side by side with church leaders on policy issues like abortion"