Diocese of Scranton campaign falls short

The Diocese of Scranton, Pa., finds itself $274,000 short of its annual appeal's $5.3 million goal, according to a report in The Scranton Times.

It's the first time in two decades the campaign has not hit its target. In a recent letter to his flock, Bishop Joseph Martino blamed the shortfall on the severity of the economic downturn. Others say the campaign fell short in part because some Catholics withheld contributions over disputes with the bishop's leadership style and decisions. Martino has become embattled with Scranton Catholics on several fronts, including over his pronouncements about politics and over closing a number of schools and parishes.