Mediation talks break down in Spokane Diocese

Published: 2004-11-05

SPOKANE, Wash. (CNS) -- Mediation efforts to settle 28 clergy sexual abuse claims against the Spokane Diocese have broken down, Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane said Nov. 4. "Simply stated, we could not reach a solution which would provide fairness, justice and equity for all involved parties," he said. In his brief statement the bishop made no specific mention of the possibility of entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection proceedings, but a week earlier he said in a letter to all Catholic households that the diocese might take that route if "mediation or negotiation does not prove to be successful." Most of the claims against Spokane involve abuse by Father Patrick O'Donnell, a priest who was removed from all ministry in 1986. The diocese has initiated procedures in Rome to have him defrocked, or dismissed from the clerical state.

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