Archdiocese of Mobile awarded $25 million over termite damage at cathedral
An arbitration panel awarded the Archdiocese of Mobile over $25.8 million from Terminix due to deficient termite treatments and fraudulent concealment. The ruling cited clear and convincing evidence of fraud and systemic misconduct by the termite company regarding services owed to the archdiocese. Significant structural damage occurred at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile, leading to the closure of a portion of the building in April 2025. The total payout includes $8.6 million in punitive damages against the termite company. The attorney representing the archdiocese suggested the ruling shows a pattern of consumers paying for protection that was never properly delivered.
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An arbitration panel awarded the Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama, $25,878,087.84 from Terminix following findings of "fraudulent concealment" and "deficient treatments" on archdiocesan properties.1 3
The payout includes $8.6 million in punitive damages for "clear and convincing evidence of fraud and systemic misconduct."1 3
Significant structural damage occurred at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile due to multiple termite infestations from 2018 onward.1 3
The damage was severe enough to close a portion of the cathedral in April 2025, prompting ongoing arbitration at the time.1 3
Inspections revealed termite issues in areas like the attic, as documented in photos provided by attorney Tom Campbell.1 3
Terminix knew it was required to provide additional termite treatments but failed to disclose or perform them, per the panel's ruling.1 3
Attorney Tom Campbell, known as "Termite Tom" for his termite litigation expertise, highlighted this as evidence of consumers paying for undelivered protection.1 3
He stated, "If Terminix will cheat a church, it will swindle anyone."1 3
Terminix acknowledged the resolution of the "long-standing case" involving a "unique, historic structure" but expressed disappointment with the outcomes.1 3
The company respects the arbitration process while maintaining its position on past events and emphasizing customer care.1 3
Alabama ranks 11th among the 25 worst U.S. states for termite infestations, with half of the top 10 in the South, according to Terminix's website.1 3
The ruling coincides with recent leadership changes, including Pope Leo XIV's appointment of Bishop Mark Rivituso as the new archbishop of Mobile.1
Investigate Catholic stewardship obligations amid commercial fraud
Catholic teaching on stewardship emphasizes that all material goods are entrusted by God to humanity as stewards, not absolute owners, with an obligation to use them for the common good, personal sanctification, and the benefit of others—particularly the poor. Commercial fraud, including business deception, unjust pricing, and corruption, directly contravenes this by prioritizing selfish gain over justice and human dignity, rendering it a grave moral evil under the Seventh Commandment. Amid such fraud, Catholics are called to vigilance, restitution, promotion of justice, and structural reforms to uphold stewardship.
Stewardship in Catholic doctrine derives from the universal destination of goods: God created the earth for all humanity, entrusting it to our care as "administrators," not "masters." Ownership is subordinate to this purpose, requiring goods to be made fruitful and shared.
"In his use of things man should regard the external goods he legitimately owns not merely as exclusive to himself but common to others also, in the sense that they can benefit others as well as himself."
Pope Francis reinforces this: "We are administrators of the goods, not masters... Ownership is a responsibility." This extends to economic life, where private property serves social justice. The Christian faithful must "promote social justice and... assist the poor from their own resources" (Can. 222 §2), viewing wealth as a duty to generosity: "What I truly own is what I am able to give."
Business leaders, in particular, exercise "careful 'dominion'" over creation and resources, tilling to make fruitful but avoiding exploitation. This stewardship includes ecological dimensions, as fraud can devastate the "common home" through waste or unjust practices.
Commercial fraud encompasses deliberate deception for unjust gain, such as business fraud, price manipulation, corruption, tax evasion, and poor work quality—acts illicit even if legally permissible.
"Even if it does not contradict the provisions of civil law, any form of unjustly taking and keeping the property of others is against the seventh commandment: thus... business fraud; paying unjust wages; forcing up prices by taking advantage of the ignorance or hardship of another... corruption in which one influences the judgment of those who must make decisions according to law."
The Catechism lists these as contrary to human dignity, including enslavement for commercial gain. Fraud in contracts voids consent if substantial, demanding rescission for the public good: "Nemini fraus sua patrocinari debet" (no one should benefit from their own fraud). Pope Francis deems corruption "a greater ill than sin," naturalized in commerce and public dealings, harming the vulnerable while "big fish" evade justice.
Such acts betray justice, evading societal obligations and undermining the common good.
Fraud perverts stewardship by treating goods as private spoils rather than Providential trusts. Veritatis Splendor links economic vices to dignity violations: theft, fraud, unjust wages, and waste contradict temperance, justice, and solidarity. In a fraudulent economy, resources fail to "reach everyone," hoarded by the corrupt.
"The ownership of any property makes its holder a steward of Providence, with the task of making it fruitful and communicating its benefits to others, first of all his family."
Business fraud exploits ignorance or hardship (cf. Am 8:4-6), enslaving others as "merchandise," while corruption obstructs justice for impunity. This "victory of appearances over reality" erodes hope and mutual responsibility with creation. Even ecological harm ties in, as fraudulent practices waste resources owed to future generations.
Catholics must respond actively, converting personally and socially.
| Obligation | Key Examples from Teaching | Supporting Virtues/Duties |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid Fraud | Business fraud, price gouging, corruption | Temperance, justice, solidarity |
| Promote Justice | Assist poor, regulate ownership | Social justice (Can. 222) |
| Stewardship | Share benefits, care for creation | Generosity, ecological responsibility |
| Remedy Corruption | Demand accountability for "big fish" | Hope, advocacy for vulnerable |
In summary, Catholic stewardship amid commercial fraud calls for rejecting deception as a stewardship betrayal, embracing generosity, and fostering just systems. By aligning economic life with God's Providence, the faithful empty not the Cross but fraud of its power, advancing human dignity and the common good.