Archdiocese of Boston Considers Move to Suburbs

Archdiocese may move to suburbs, irking Boston
May 24, 2007
Associated Press

BOSTON — A decision by the Roman Catholic Boston Archdiocese to consider a money-saving move to the suburbs is drawing criticism from Boston Mayor Tom Menino, who claims leaving the city will hinder the church's charitable mission.

Archdiocesan officials are in the final stages of negotiating a deal to move their headquarters from the outlying Brighton neighborhood to a four-story building in Braintree.

The proposed move, first reported in the Boston Herald, is part of an ongoing effort to resolve a financial crisis caused in part by the clergy sexual abuse scandal.

"The people most in need of charitable services provided by the church and archdiocese are here in our urban neighborhoods," Menino said in a statement. "To move the Archdiocese of Boston out of Boston raises serious concerns about the future mission and role of the church in serving this community."