American court vindicates Bishop De Roo's record and reputation

Ironically, Bishop De Roo, who refused to defend himself or speak publicly during the entire six-years-debacle (except to apologize generally for whatever errors he might have made and for whatever damage these may have caused) was in fact the author of an investment which can still redeem the entire situation because it has increased so radically in value.

This, in spite of all the mounted debt caused by the subsequent decisions. Unfortunately, the same people are advising the newest Bishop of Victoria, Richard Gagnon, a former Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Vancouver. In his first year as bishop, Gagnon has announced that the diocese will appeal the decision, a decision that threatens to cost an estimated two more years of court time, plus lawyer's fees estimated at a further three million dollars.

A further complication is that the land in question was actually sold for US$14 million in January, 2005. However, there is a saving technicality.

If the new bishop would co-operate with Finley even at this juncture, the day could be saved because the January sale is not closed and the Diocese has the final closing option. If rescued, the land could be sold for its proper value of US$28 million. The new purchaser could be bought out for a half million dollars. Time is running out though and the hard feelings that led to the $8.2 million judgment seemed to be far from being resolved. Expensive emotions.

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