Rockford Diocese Finances

Bishop Doran's Promise

thomas doran with shepherd costume

In the January 16, 2004 issue of the Rockford Diocese's newspaper, The Observer, Bishop Thomas Doran included a "special report to all registered Catholic homes" and a "Charter Update". In "a letter from Bishop Doran to the people of the Rockford Diocese" on page 2 of this 4-page report (one of which was the title page), Bishop Doran promises it will "outline what money we have spent in responding to these cases and where that money has come from".

In the actual report on page 3, the section on finances titled, "Costs to the Diocese", consists of exactly one paragraph which states in it's entirety:

"In the period from 1950 through 2002, the Diocese of Rockford has expended $110,110 in response to allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. Of this total, $105,110 was spent on counseling for victims and alleged victims."

In his report, the bishop failed to "outline" where the remainder of the $5,000 went. He also failed to explain - as promised - "where that money has come from". He failed to outline how much money has been paid to attorneys representing the diocese, how much has been paid in any contempt-of-court fines, and how much has been spent in settlements with victims/survivors.

Review of Diocesan Finances - 2005

In the May 4, 2006 issue of the Rockford Diocese's newspaper, The Observer, diocesan Director for Financial and Administrative Services, Wayne M. Lenell, wrote an article for the Diocesan Stewardship 2006 Campaign. This article includes a 7-paragraph explanation of the diocesan financial situation, two pie-charts explaining the Total Revenues and Total Expenditures, and another chart titled Consolidated Statement of Revenue and Expenses.

Nowhere in this article, in the charts or in the verbiage, is there any indication, mention, or hint of mention as to how much the Rockford Diocese has paid at any time in legal fees for the civil trial it is currently involved in. Ellen Lynch, an attorney for the diocese formerly employed by a private law firm, has been hired as a full-time employee of the diocese. Another attorney, Greg Snyder, is employed by that same law firm and is also working on the civil trial filed by two victims of Mark Campobello. The lawsuit was filed in the summer of 2004. Parishioners of the diocese have never been informed as too how much money has been paid in legal fees and where exactly that money is coming from.

Total Expenditure Categories according to Wayne Lenell's pie chart:

Total Expenditures
Educational Costs
Parish Operations
Net Plant Acquisitions
Social Services
Supporting Services
Auxiliary Services
Distribution of Special Collections
Cemeteries
Religious & Personnel Development

The final paragraph of Wayne Lenell's Observer articles states:

"Finally, we invite your questions on any of these financial matters. Please write to the Office of Financial and Administrative Services, P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 or Wlenell@Rockforddiocese.org.

A parishioner inquired via email as to how much has been paid in legal fees for the Campobello/Diocese of Rockford lawsuit in the past fiscal year, where exactly that money came from, and which category of the annual budget is it included. The inquiry was ignored. When a second request was made, it was also ignored. When the parishioner called Wayne Lenell's office for the information, she was told that he was unable to speak with her - ever. When she asked why not, his secretary said she didn't know why and that she only knew that he couldn't talk with her.

Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

ARTICLE 7. Dioceses/eparchies are to be open and transparent in communicating with the public about sexual abuse of minors by clergy within the confines of respect for the privacy and the reputation of the individuals involved. This is especially so with regard to informing parish and other church communities directly affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.

Companions in Hope