Bridgeport Church Doesn't Have Occupancy Permit: Report

A 1,500-seat church in Bridgeport has apparently been operating for four years without a certificate of occupancy.

The Connecticut Post reports that the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit on Union Avenue has failed to provide documentation from contractors that would allow the city to issue the permit, which is required before any building can be used.

The cathedral opened in 2009.

The pastor, Rev. Kenneth Moales Jr., also is the chairman of the city's school board and served as treasurer for Mayor Bill Finch's campaign.

He told to the paper the church has a temporary certificate, but the Post found no record that one had been issued.

Finch's spokeswoman, Elaine Ficarra, said the mayor had no reason to suspect the church did not have the proper permits.