Ohio church 157 years old closes

CLEVELAND (AP) — A 157-year-old Cleveland church has closed, with a ceremonial final Mass by the Catholic bishop canceled amid parishioner anger.

Instead, the final Mass at St. Peter Church in downtown Cleveland was celebrated on Easter Sunday by Rev. Robert Marrone. He predicts the shutdown will be remembered as one of the worst decisions by the Cleveland Diocese.

Amid rising anger by parishioners, Bishop Richard Lennon canceled plans for a ceremonial last Mass next Sunday. He has warned the congregation against setting up a renegade church.

The Cleveland diocese is closing or merging 50 parishes, blaming declining numbers of priests, parishioners and finances.