Syriac Catholic Bishop Sued Over Alleged Misuse of Church Funds

A civil lawsuit has been filed against Bishop Yousif Abdulmasih, also known as Bishop Marnaba Yousif Habash, regarding a $200,000 donation intended for a remodeling project at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Syriac Catholic Church in California. The plaintiff, church member Hani Toma, alleges that he provided the funds after being approached by the bishop, only to later discover from a local priest that the project was already fully funded. Toma is seeking the return of the donation along with additional damages.

Reports indicate that the bishop has reportedly left California for Michigan. While the civil litigation is ongoing, local authorities have confirmed that no criminal charges have been filed against him at this time. The Syriac Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic body that maintains its own leadership and liturgical traditions while remaining under the authority of the Pope. This legal action follows the recent resignation of another San Diego-based bishop, Emanuel Shaleta of the Chaldean Catholic Church, who is currently facing charges of embezzlement and money laundering.