All church assets can be sold to settle suits

WASHINGTON

SPOKANE -- A federal bankruptcy judge ruled yesterday that all the parish churches, parochial schools, and other property of the Catholic Diocese of Spokane can be liquidated to pay victims of clergy sexual abuse. The decision, expected to have ramifications for dioceses across the nation, is a major defeat for Spokane Bishop William Skylstad, who had argued that he did not control individual parishes and thus they were not available to cover settlement costs. Skylstad, head of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, had argued that only about $10 million worth of real estate and other assets directly under his control were available to settle lawsuits. The cases forced the Spokane Diocese to declare bankruptcy in December. (AP)

ILLINOIS

Daley is questioned in US corruption probe

CHICAGO -- Federal investigators questioned Mayor Richard Daley for nearly two hours yesterday about the city's hiring policies amid a corruption scandal that has snared two dozen city workers. Daley announced he was questioned by investigators from US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's office and that he cooperated. (Reuters)

NORTH CAROLINA

Rev. Graham breaks ground for library

CHARLOTTE -- The Rev. Billy Graham helped break ground yesterday on a library and museum about his life. The library is scheduled to open in 2007. The evangelistic association estimates that the $25 million, privately funded library will attract about 200,000 visitors annually. Graham's archives will be kept there and multimedia exhibits will illustrate his journey from farm boy to the world's most famous evangelist. The family homestead where Graham grew up will be a short distance from the main exhibit building.The house was bought in the 1980s by evangelist Jim Bakker and moved to his Heritage USA theme park in Fort Mill, S.C. It is being relocated to the museum site. (AP)