NEW MEXICO
ABQ Journal
By Olivier Uyttebrouck / Journal Staff Writer
The Diocese of Gallup intends to petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in response to a growing number of lawsuits filed by alleged victims of clerical sex abuse.
Leaders of the diocese described bankruptcy as a way of ensuring justice and fairness for victims of sexual abuse by providing for an orderly distribution of the diocese’s limited resources.
Diocese of Gallup Bishop James Wall said in a letter read to parishioners over the Labor Day weekend that bankruptcy is intended to treat abuse victims “in a just, equitable and more merciful manner” while allowing the diocese to continue its pastoral mission.
“Under Chapter 11, the diocese will have the opportunity to present a plan of reorganization that provides for a fair and equitable way to compensate all those who suffered sexual abuse as children” by priests, the letter said.
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