ST. JOHN'S (CANADA)
Archdiocese of St. John's [St. John's NL, Canada]
December 21, 2021
By Archbishop Peter Hundt
Today the Archdiocese of St. John’s announced that it has filed a Notice of Intention to make a Proposal pursuant to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
“Over the past year since the legal decision became final that the Archdiocese was vicariously liable for the claims of abuse at the Mount Cashel Orphanage in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, we have been working hard to determine how best to resolve these claims while also ensuring the ongoing practise and celebration of our Catholic faith.” said Archbishop Peter Hundt.
The Archbishop went on to say, “As a next step in the process of resolving these claims, the Archdiocese has filed for creditor protection. In effect, we will be requesting additional time to complete the evaluation of our assets, formally call for claims against the Archdiocese, and develop a proposal for our creditors to settle victims’ claims and creditor liabilities. This process will involve the Archdiocese marketing diocesan and parish properties including church buildings to satisfy claims. This will be a transparent process adjudicated through the Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court.”
“We are committed to settling victim claims through this process and hope in doing so we can bring some measure of healing to them, their families and all who have been wounded by sexual abuse,” said Archbishop Hundt. The Archbishop said that it is his intention to meet with as many parishes and groups as he can in the coming weeks to further explain the situation and to respond to questions and concerns. It is his hope that together they will find ways to meet financial commitments and to promote pastoral ministry into the future.
For more information
RCECSJ office
709 726-3660