Court date set for churches’ appeal
By KRISTIE LINDEN
klinden@yourmvi.com
Nearly two years after their cases were dismissed in Washington County Court, the parishioners of St. Agnes and the former St. Anthony churches will once again have their day in court.
The parishioners filed lawsuits in early 2017 against the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and Bishop David Zubik alleging fraud, conversion (improper solicitation of money), unjust enrichment and breaching its fiduciary duty to the congregations and their members.
Arguments were heard in county court in September 2017 and the diocese asked President Judge Katherine Emery to dismiss the cases. The diocese argued that the court had no jurisdiction because it would have to determine if Zubik followed the Code of Canon Law.
In November, Emery dismissed the lawsuits.
Both parishes filed appeals in Commonwealth Court and arguments will be heard on both cases at the City County Building in Pittsburgh at 1 p.m. May 6.
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