CALIFORNIA
National Catholic Reporter
Catholic News Service | Jan. 17, 2014
STOCKTON, CALIF. The decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection was difficult for the diocese of Stockton but will allow it to “compensate as fairly as possible” victims of abuse, “including those who have not yet come forward or had their day in court,” said Bishop Stephen Blaire.
Bankruptcy protection, filed Wednesday, also 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,” he said in a statement Monday.
“After months of careful consideration and prayer,” Blaire said, it became clear to him it was the right course of action. “This decision was reached through consultation with experts in finance and law, as well as with priests, parishioners and many others in the community our diocese serves,” he added.
In the past 20 years, the Stockton diocese has paid more than $14 million in legal settlements for victims of clergy sexual abuse and the total amount of payments, including funds from insurers and others, amounts to $32 million.
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