Judges set filing deadlines in diocesan bankruptcy cases

Published: 2004-11-24

PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) -- Federal bankruptcy judges in Portland and in Tucson, Ariz., have set April 2005 deadlines for victims of childhood sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in those dioceses to submit claims. Both judges approved media notice campaigns that would invite additional victims to come forward before the deadlines. In Portland, however, Judge Elizabeth Perris also ruled that victims who are aware of having been abused will not be limited by the court-set deadline if they have not yet recognized the personal damage caused by the abuse. The Portland Archdiocese, facing lawsuits by more than 60 plaintiffs seeking more than $300 million, filed for bankruptcy protection July 6 under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Tucson Diocese made a similar filing Sept. 20. It faces lawsuits by 33 plaintiffs who seek millions of dollars for claims of childhood sexual abuse by church personnel. On Nov. 10 the Diocese of Spokane, Wash., announced plans to invoke Chapter 11 protection after attempts to mediate the claims of some 125 alleged victims broke down. In late November the diocese moved its target date for filing from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6.

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