09/01/2026
The Diocese of Toledo was surprised on Tuesday to discover signs posted at the former churches of Sacred Heart and Good Shepherd announcing a September 10th meeting regarding their designation as landmarks. As the owner of these buildings, the Diocese was not consulted or informed of this action, and it neither requested nor desires that designation.
Before making any final determination regarding these former churches, the Diocese and respective parishes carried out a lengthy and comprehensive due diligence process, including multiple town hall meetings and engagement with parish membership, leadership, and other stakeholders, along with engineering studies that revealed, in the case of the former church of Sacred Heart, severe structural damage. The Diocese has continued this path by repurposing sacred art and objects and relocating the stained-glass windows to other churches.
The Diocese maintains that the City's renewed involvement in decisions regarding our own private property — governed by the law of the Church — is a mistake and falls outside the City's purview and authority. Should the City proceed with this designation process, the Diocese will pursue all available legal remedies to protect its First Amendment religious freedom rights, which almost certainly would cost the City considerable taxpayer funds in legal fees.
The Diocese hopes that reason will prevail and that the City Plan Commission will decline to proceed with an action that interferes with the private disposition of Church property.
Read the story on the Diocese of Toledo website: toledodiocese.org/diocesan-news
