Atlanta Archbishop Takes Responsibility for Controversial Buckhead Residence

“My responsibility is to think things through carefully, which I clearly did not.  But you said, well, why didn’t you?  Because there was really no background letters, notes that said, ‘you know, archbishop, this might not be a good idea for a, b, and c.’”  

  But recently, many Atlanta Catholics have questioned spending so much on a new residence for the Archbishop at a time when Pope Francis has emphasized simplicity for church leaders and lives modestly himself.

The property for the new home became available when Joseph Mitchell, nephew of “Gone with the Wind” author Margaret Mitchell, left $15 million and a Buckhead home to the Archdiocese of Atlanta and to the parish of the Cathedral of Christ the King.  

Gregory said he decided to have the Archdiocese sell his existing home to the parish as a home for its priests.  The Cathedral of Christ the King used some of the Mitchell money to pay for it.  Gregory said he then used those funds for the construction of the new Archbishop’s residence on the land left by Mitchell.  He said it seemed at first like a solution to several space problems.

“What I have acknowledged, and will acknowledge again: what appeared to be a win-win had some very serious repercussions on my integrity and on my pastoral governance.”

Gregory said he will meet with advisory groups of clergy and lay church members to decide whether to sell the property – which may very well happen. 

You can hear more of the interview with the Archbishop Thursday afternoon at 5:44 p.m.