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Mayor Urges Archdiocese to Stay in the City

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino says the Archdiocese of Boston should stay in the city, saying plans for a possible move to Braintree could stifle the church's charitable mission in Boston.

The Archdiocese is considering selling the remainder of their Brighton campus and moving to a four-story building in Braintree off of Route 128. The plan is part of a continuing effort by the Archdiocese to pay millions of dollars in settlements related to clergy sexual abuse cases. Officials say the move will be cost effective.

Menino is blasting the plan, saying the Church is sending the wrong message that it's neglecting its most needy members in the city. Menino says he would help the Archdiocese stay in the city if they asked.

The Archdiocese headquarters have been in Brighton since the 1920's. Church officials said moving the headquarters will not negatively affect the church's mission in Boston.

Officials add, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, based in South Boston, will remain the spiritual center of the Archdiocese. Cardinal O'Malley will continue to live at the cathedral and his offices will remain there.

This program aired on May 23, 2007. The audio for this program is not available.

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