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Diocese of Great Falls-billings Filing for Bankruptcy As Part of Sex Abuse Settlement

By David Sherman
KPAX
March 31, 2017

http://www.kpax.com/story/35044346/diocese-of-great-falls-billings-filing-for-bankruptcy-as-part-of-sex-abuse-settlement

The Diocese of Great Falls-Billings plans to file for bankruptcy protection as part of a settlement with 72 people who filed sex abuse claims, church officials said on Friday.

The Diocese comprises the eastern two-thirds of Montana. It includes 79 priests (49 active), 51 parishes, and more than 38,000 registered Catholics, according to its website.

In a press release, the diocese says that it is taking a "major step forward" bringing resolution to 72 current claims of abuse by minors by diocesan priests, religious community priests, women religious and lay workers who have served in the diocese."

They expect make the Chapter 11 reorganization filing on Friday, and the Diocese and its insurance carriers would contribute to a fund to compensate victims and set aside additional money for those who have not yet come forward.

The amount of the settlement has not yet been released.

Bishop Michael Warfel and the Diocese have chosen a "pastoral approach which provided the basis for its having entered this confidential mediation process."

The press release states that under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court, the diocese and its insurance carriers would both contribute to a comprehensive settlement, which would compensate the currently identified victims. There will also be additional settlement funds for any additional unknown victims.

"On behalf of the entire Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, I express my profound sorrow and sincere apologies to anyone who was abused by a priest, a sister or a lay church worker," Bishop Warfel said. "No child should experience harm from anyone who serves the church."

None of those who have been credibly accused are active in parish ministry and nearly all are deceased, according to Warfel.

The Diocese of Helena, which serves the rest of the state, filed for bankruptcy in early 2014 to settle about 360 claims of abuse and sexual abuse.

We will update you as we get more information.

 

 

 

 

 




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