Facing sex abuse suits, Tucson Diocese seeks bankruptcy protection

Published: 2004-09-20

TUCSON, Ariz. (CNS) -- Facing 33 plaintiffs in 22 pending clergy sex abuse lawsuits, the Tucson Diocese Sept. 20 filed for federal bankruptcy protection. Tucson was the second diocese in the nation to seek court-supervised reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to resolve multimillion-dollar claims against it by alleged victims of childhood molestation by priests. In July the Archdiocese of Portland, Ore., became the first major church body in history to make a Chapter 11 filing. In a letter to his people Tucson Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas said he believed "that this represents the best opportunity for healing and for the just and fair compensation of those who suffered sexual abuse by workers for the church in our diocese -- those who are currently known and those who have not yet made the decision to come forward." In a separate letter addressed "to all those who have been sexually abused by a worker for the church," the bishop said that in meeting such victims he has listened to "your anger, your hurt and your sense of betrayal" from the abuse. "This has touched my heart and left me struggling to know how best to help you heal," he wrote.

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