Diocese of Stockton Officially Decides to File for Bankruptcy

By Ian McDonald
Fox 40
January 13, 2014

http://fox40.com/2014/01/13/diocese-of-stockton-officially-decides-to-file-for-bankruptcy/

After six months of consideration, the Diocese of Stockton says it will file for bankruptcy protection on Wednesday.

The Diocese says its financial woes came from settling sexual abuse cases.

“This has been a difficult decision. Nevertheless, I am convinced this step will allow us to achieve two essential goals,” Bishop Stephen Blaire said in a written statement. “First, it will provide a process to compensate as fairly as possible the victims of sexual abuse, including those who have not yet come forward or had their day in court. At the same time, the process will provide a way for us to continue the ministry and support we provide to the parishes, the poor and the communities located within our Diocese.”

Blaire says the Diocese of Stockton will be the tenth Diocese in the country to file for bankruptcy.