MINNESOTA
Fox 9
MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – A federal bankruptcy judge has indicated he may allow all parties to vote on two competing clergy abuse settlement plans against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
In a packed courtroom filled with clergy abuse victims and attorneys, Federal Bankruptcy Judge Robert Kressel heard arguments on the disclosure statement in the case.
Attorney Richard Anderson representing the Archdiocese told Judge Kressel that they have now settled with all of the Archdiocese’s insurance carriers on dollar amounts. He did not disclose the new amount, but on Nov. 15 the Archdiocese announced they had reached an agreement with 11 of 13 insurance underwriters to increase their settlement fund to $133 million.
Bankruptcy judge may allow vote on two Archdiocese settlement plans
Victims’ attorney Robert Kugler argued that the Archdiocese settlement is not reasonable. Kugler told the judge that he believes more money is available from the insurance companies and that survivors could not evaluate the settlement disclosure without the full knowledge how much could be paid out. Additionally, Kugler suggested that the Archdiocese could borrow $38 million, hold a fundraiser, and assess parishes for settlement fund money.
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