Spokane Diocese to file for bankruptcy by end of November

Published: 2004-11-11

SPOKANE, Wash. (CNS) -- The Diocese of Spokane will enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection proceedings by the end of November, Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane announced at a Nov. 10 press conference. Spokane will become the third U.S. Catholic diocese under Chapter 11 proceedings, joining the Archdiocese of Portland, Ore., and the Diocese of Tucson, Ariz. The Diocese of Davenport, Iowa, was on the brink of a bankruptcy filing when it reached a $9 million settlement Oct. 28 with 37 alleged victims of abuse by priests. During the press conference at the Catholic Pastoral Center in Spokane, Bishop Skylstad said Chapter 11 reorganization "will provide a fair, just and equitable mechanism for the payment of valid claims" against the diocese, "while allowing us to maintain the historic mission of the Catholic Church in eastern Washington." Approximately 125 people have said they were victims of sexual abuse by priests serving in the eastern Washington diocese, with total claims reaching tens of millions of dollars, the bishop said.

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