BishopAccountability.org
	Decision Time for Catholics By Katie Harlan KVAL [Oregon] October 2, 2005 Southeast Eugene - Local Catholics are being asked to speak up about whether churches and their property belong to the parish or should be turned over to settle millions in priest sex abuse lawsuits. Monday marks the last day, Catholic parishioners can opt out of a class action lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Portland. Though locals will not be held liable for any settlement, some are worried but more confused about the pending lawsuits. Each of the parishioners at St. Jude Church in Eugene are defendants in the Archdiocese of Portland's bankruptcy case. "It's a little nerve racking. I'm sure that the judge knows what she's doing, I have confidence in the law and due process and all that, but I think for a lot of people it was confusing," said Father Tom Yurchak. The pastor isn't the only one with questions. "I'm confused and I think that our pastor is confused, I think I'm not alone in that," Ted Branet, St. Jude Parishioner. The letter explains a class action lawsuit that involves 390,000 Catholics in Western Oregon. The action was taken after the Archdiocese filed for bankruptcy to respond to more than 200 claims of sexual abuse by priests. The class action aims to determine the legal status of parish property. Parishioners have until Monday to opt out. "Hoping the court would present it in such a fashion people could understand, what it is about, it really didn't I think it was very confusing. Basically it says you are going to be sued whether you opt out or stay in," said Father Tom. Any parishioner who opts out will become an individual defendant. But some say that's not the way to go."We are better off not to opt out of it or otherwise you are on your own so its better to go as a group," said Branet. Though some parishioners are concerned and confused about the lawsuit, most say they support the Archdiocese filing bankruptcy and want a resolution. "We were singing one body in Christ and what happens to one affects all of us," said Barbara Summer, St. Jude Parishioner. The bottom line is if you do nothing lawyers for the 124 parishes will take care of it. So far in Western Oregon about one hundred Catholics have opted out of the class action. The Portland Archdiocese filed for bankruptcy last year. For more information on the class action lawsuit call the hotline number (503) 727-2121.
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