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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Loud-Praying Pair Arrested At Church

Compiled From Wire Services

Two women whose loud praying drowns out the priest and the choir were arrested as they tried to attend Good Friday services in defiance of a court order.

Sheriff’s deputies took Joan Sudwoj and Cynthia Balconi into custody at the doors to Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. They were charged with criminal trespass, which carries up to two years in prison.

Common Pleas Judge Bernard Scherer had barred the women from the Roman Catholic church on Wednesday because of their loud praying. He banned them from another church last week.

The women have given no explanation for their actions.