Dec. 22, 2006 (CWNews.com) - Embezzlement of funds is a frequent problem in American dioceses, according to a National Catholic Reporter story.
 
 "A whopping 85% of US dioceses have detected embezzlement over the past five years," writes reporter Joe Feuerherd in an NCR headline story published December 22. That statistic is drawn from a survey by Villanova university researchers.
 
 The total sum of money missing from American parishes runs into the millions of dollars, the Villanova study indicates. The researchers suggest that proper financial controls and tighter accounting are required to remedy the problem.