Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Catholic Diocese Bishop Michael Fisher is headed to Rome in October with Chief Operating Officer Richard Suchan and Vicar Rev. Bryan Zielenieski.
"It's ordinary for a Bishop to consult with Rome if he has concerns, but it's not normal for a Bishop to publicize that he's going to Rome with his COO and Vicar General in order to discuss the pastoral plan. That's not a normal thing," said Philip Gray, Canon Law expert with The St. Joseph Foundation.
Gray believes Fisher will be updating the ongoing bankruptcy and clergy abuse settlement. He says Buffalo is unique in how the Chapter 11 bankruptcy is being handled by the Bishop and Diocese.
"Bishop Fisher has pulled in all of these parishes and expected them to pay.
That's contrary to Canon Law," Gray said with WBEN on Tuesday. "And the Vatican made it very clear in a recent decision that Bishop Fisher cannot use parish money to pay sex abuse lawsuits."
Gray thinks it's very possible that is the subject of the October meeting in Rome.
"There's been a lot of outcry from the people. Rome has received many letters and other communication. I do believe it's about the pastoral plan and what he's doing with all of this money."
The Pope has immediate and absolute authority over the Catholic Church. A bishop's authority is limited. For example, he can't take money from a parish for the Diocese for purposes like the sex abuse lawsuit.
Dates for the trip to Rome have not been finalized.
Mary Pruski with "Save Our Buffalo Churches" was gratified in hearing what Gray had to say.
"The way the Buffalo Diocese has tried to restructure in bankruptcy has not been seen around the rest of the nation," Pruski said with WBEN. "Most Diocese did not close churches or take money. These guys are going full-bore ahead making those changes and that's why those of us who want to fight back, are saying this is wrong. You've crossed the line."