Bridgeport Diocese Sues the State

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport filed a federal lawsuit Friday afternoon against the state for seeking to have the church register as a lobbyist because it organized rallies against a bill to have independent boards oversee the churches finances.

Church officials are asking the court to issue an injunction against the Office of State Ethics' attempt to make the church register as a lobbyist.

"I believe the OSE's extension of the lobbying laws to these activities will interfere with the diocese's ability to mobilize its members and, if necessary, to urge them to rally at the Capitol," Bishop William Lori said.

The Hartford Courant has the whole story here.

In March, more than 4,000 Catholics gathered at the Capitol to protest a proposed bill to have lay councils oversee the finances of local parishes, relegating Catholic pastors and bishops to an advisory role.

Crossroads Magazine covered the event, and will bring you the video shortly.