Portland archbishop testifies at bankruptcy hearing

Published: 2004-08-11

PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) -- Portland Archbishop John G. Vlazny testified Aug. 6 before a federal bankruptcy court, saying it was ultimately his decision, not the Vatican's, to file for Chapter 11 federal bankruptcy protection for the archdiocese, a first for any Catholic diocese. During the four-hour bankruptcy hearing, attorneys for those who have claims against the Archdiocese of Portland sought possible Vatican liability. The archbishop, while allowing that he must comply with certain church laws, said that talks with the Vatican before the filing were "appropriate, satisfactory and within the law," but that, "in the end, it becomes my decision" to file Chapter 11. Archbishop Vlazny also discussed archdiocesan policies to prevent child abuse, which have been held up for years as a national model. He explained that the bankruptcy was seen as a way to satisfy all sex abuse plaintiffs, not just a few, and allow the church to continue its mission. "I thought it was a way of bringing everyone around the table and seeing what we could do," he told the court.

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