CALIFORNIA
Lodi News-Sentinel

Posted: Sunday, September 8, 2013

By Ross Farrow/News-Sentinel Staff Writer

Stockton Diocese Bishop Stephen Blaire says it’s becoming increasingly likely that the Catholic diocese that serves the Lodi area will file for bankruptcy.

In a letter to parishioners throughout the diocese, Blaire said that it doesn’t look like the diocese has an option, especially to pay off or settle any more clergy abuse lawsuits. No decision has been made by diocese officials, Blaire said.

“I feel, however, that it is important to tell you that options other than filing for bankruptcy protection have not emerged,” Blaire said in his letter, which was inserted in the weekly bulletin at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Lodi.

“It appears likely to me that the diocese will need to reorganize financially under the protection of the bankruptcy court,” Blaire added. “That is why I am meeting in the days and…