LACROSSE, Wis. – The outspoken Catholic priest being pressured to resign by LaCrosse Bishop William Callahan said he has gone to a lawyer to advise him on church law. The lawyer, said Father James Atman, is asking the bishop to justify firing him. Altman questions whether there is anything in his diocesan file to suggest that he is divisive and ineffective, as the bishop has asserted. The canon law attorney also is exploring Altman’s options. Said Altman: “I’m no expert on canon law but understand only that while we are contesting bishop’s request — and we are — he could in theory appoint a parish administrator whilst I remain a pastor without duties until the appeal goes through Rome, which could take up to a year or more.”
Lawyer fees
What does counsel from a specialist in Catholic church cost? Altman has let it be known the rate for canon lawyers is $250 an hour.