‘Save Our Buffalo Churches’ group gets insight from canon lawyer

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — It’s been two months since the Buffalo Diocese declared nearly half of its parishes will be closing. However, the group ‘Save our Buffalo Churches’ continues to fight.

The group is using canon law—the legal system of the catholic church—to make an appeal to the Vatican to keep their churches open.

On Wednesday, they met with 30-year canon lawyer Philip Gray to discuss all options on the table.

“It’s to keep people in the church and to ensure that they have the proper pastoral care they need to make it to heaven,” said Gray. “That’s my main goal.”

The group ‘Save our Buffalo Churches’ consists of lay people studying canon law – and claims the Buffalo Diocese closures go against the law.

“The speed at which they put together their core group, the dedication to the whole mission and the efficiency that they’ve used has been very high, so I’ve been very impressed with them,” Gray continued.

Gray says the bible gives parishioners a process to challenge diocesan authorities.

The Diocese tells us that as of October 18th, all parishes on the chopping block submitted, or were given their merger or closure dates, most of which are in 2025.

“Then a decree is issued from the chancery here at the Catholic Center, and then parishes have a period of time to respond if they would like to appeal the decision,” said Buffalo Diocese spokesperson Joe Martone.

Decrees are issued on a rolling basis depending on parish closure dates. The diocese says parishes have 10 days after receiving it to file an appeal.

‘Save our Buffalo Churches’ say St. Brigid in Bergen and Ascension in Batavia have already filed appeals. The bishop has 30 days to respond. If parishioners are still unhappy, the final say comes down from Rome.

“The second appeal goes to the Vatican de Castro for clergy. The final appeal goes to the Supreme Court of the church,” adds Gray.

The diocese also announced the sale of Christ the King Seminary.

Officials tell us other properties currently on the market are St. Lawerence, All Saints and St. Andrew, an outcome parishioners say they want to avoid.

“They have a right to be heard. They need to be heard,” said Gray. “The bishop has an obligation to hear them.”

Gray adds, this appeal process could take upwards of 9 months, with the longest case he’s worked on lasting 10 years.

To receive updates about the group’s efforts, click here.

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Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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