Diocese of Bridgeport: Not a Lobbyist

As we reported in the WJMJ Religious Headlines yesterday, Connecticut's Office of State Ethics has decided to stop its inquiry into whether the Diocese of Bridgeport needs to register as a lobbyist. The Office had said the Church's organization of rallies at the State Capitol made the Church a lobbyist group, and must register as such. The Diocese sued for an injunction against this request. The American Civil Liberties Union sided with the Diocese in this case. On June 30, the state's Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal urged for the end of the investigation. Ethics enforcement officer T.J. Jones will close the investigation, in light of Blumenthal's letter.

The Diocese has issued the following statement in response to the end of this probe:

“We are pleased to hear that the Office of State Ethics will abide by the Attorney General’s opinion and drop its action against the Diocese of Bridgeport.

“This is welcome news, not only for the Diocese but for all citizens who cherish the fundamental rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.

“We look forward to receiving written confirmation from the Office of State Ethics. At that time we will make a decision on our lawsuit.”

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.