LOS ANGELES -- The newest U.S. Roman Catholic cathedral opened Sept. 2 amid controversy as protestors condemned the $195 million cost and the Church’s national sex abuse scandal.
Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral is a symbolic new beginning for the nation’s largest archdiocese, Cardinal Roger Mahony said. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is one of many archdioceses that has suffered from the scandal of sexual abuse allegations against priests, according to The Associated Press.
Nearly 3,000 people, including more than 560 priests, bishops and other clergy, turned out for the cathedral’s dedication. Two dozen people protested outside, according to the AP, claiming the church should have used the money to help the poor and homeless.
"I think the church would begin to look very redeemed if it would take all the artwork it just bought, that alone was $30 million, and sell it," demonstrator Alice Callahan told the AP.
Archdiocese spokesman Tod Tamberg said the cathedral, which can seat up to 3,000 people, was funded through private donations and "not one dime" was taken from church social service programs.
Money raised from a 6,000-space mausoleum, built beneath the cathedral, along with a gift shop, restaurant, conference center and a 600-car parking garage are expected to help cover ongoing expenses.
