MONTANA
KPAX
Updated: Mar 31, 2017
By David Sherman – MTN News
GREAT FALLS –
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.
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