S.D. Diocese could face bankruptcy

By: Wire Reports - | Sunday, February 18, 2007 8:06 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego may be forced to file bankruptcy rather than pay up $200 million in claims stemming from lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by priests.

Bishop Robert Brom sent a letter to parishioners over the weekend, stating that if abuse victims cannot be fairly compensated through ongoing settlements without "jeopardizing our overall mission ... the diocese may be forced to file a Chapter 11 reorganization in bankruptcy court," the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Should that happen, the diocese -- which includes 1 million Catholics in San Diego and Imperial counties -- would be the fifth in the United States to seek bankruptcy protections, the Union-Tribune reported.

According to the Union-Tribune, Brom's "pastoral statement" mentioned the abuse victims. "I am profoundly sorry for this betrayal of trust in your lives," he wrote. "On behalf of those who caused you pain, and in the name of the church, I beg your forgiveness."

Brom is expected to elaborate on his comments during a Monday meeting of nearly 300 priests, as part of a pre-Lent gathering, the Union-Tribune reported.

Sister Mary Ann Walsh, spokeswoman for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said bankruptcy was a last resort and dismissed questions about the church using legal protection as a national strategy to deal with sex abuse claims.

One Catholic parishioner, 61-year-old Kathy Rolls, said the news came as a shock.

"I can't believe that it would come to such a horrible thing," said Rolls, who was attending St. Patrick's in North Park after Mass today, the Union-Tribune reported.

An attorney representing San Diego plaintiffs said the diocese has enough assets to settle the clergy-abuse claims and described the possible bankruptcy "as a desperate maneuver," the Union-Tribune reported.

A member of Survivors Networks of Those Abused by Priests said any claim of bankruptcy "is a shrewd public relations move by a bishop desperate to keep clergy sex crimes covered up."

"Brom is terribly afraid of upcoming civil trials where he will have to to disclose under oath and in open court, how much he knew about and how little he did about predator priests," said Mary Grant, the SNAP regional director.

She added dioceses that have sought bankruptcy did so on the eve of a potentially embarrassing trial.

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Come hoe my row: wrote on Feb 19, 2007 6:49 AM: First, let me say that I believe that a lot of sick and evil people found a place in the Catholic Church to hide and do their dirt. That having been said, is bankruptcy necessary? I am sure that bankruptcy is not a part of God's plan for us. Perhaps we will be judged on how well we avoid letting others pay our bills and carry our load, amongst other things. Also, I believe there are a lot of stuff going on in all church organizations/governments that are not part of Gods plan for his church. This is mankind's doing and he will be judged accordingly. In addition, can an organization that does not pay taxes avail themselves of the law to avoid paying their bills? I am sure the Vatican has the money - the Vatican has been receiving payment from the San Diego Diocese since forever - and the public, many who are not Catholics, should not have to carry their load or hoe their row. I am a Christian.

The Catholic Bail Agent wrote on Feb 19, 2007 9:33 AM:Unfortunately, it's the aggressive and money hungry lawyers for the plaintiffs to blame if they declare Chp 11. The crony lawyer from del mar doesn't care about his clients, only the money for his firm. Yes, many of the priests are guilty of these crimes, but don't tell me 1 million or more a piece is going to solve their pains or emotional dysfunctions. Brom has been questionable in the past but the non-catholic lawyers are going to be blamed for this one. PS Everyone was a catholic until the 1400's.

O Brother... wrote on Feb 19, 2007 10:55 AM:Any religious organization that exalts itself above the word of God opens itself up to all sorts of corruption. The Roman Catholic Church could get back on the straight and narrow path by looking to the bible, instead of papal edicts, etc. Those are just rules made by men. This is sick. Bankruptcy is ungodly. Not paying debts = stealing. "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, 'Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow'- when you now have it with you." (Proverbs 3:27-28)

FROWISS wrote on Feb 19, 2007 12:02 PM:If these holier than thou men in black dresses can file for bankruptcy protection to protect their assets, then they and the properties the church diocese owns should not be exempt from taxation.

Ask wrote on Feb 19, 2007 2:23 PM:WOOT!!! If they go bankrupt, that means NO more CATHOLIC churches???

Reardon wrote on Feb 19, 2007 2:56 PM:Bankruptcy will only absolve the financial debt, it will never erase the stain. In fact it will continue to fester in the minds of those who must step up to the plate to carry that debt, and further anger those who were so grievously injured. While those who committed the worst offenses may be gone, those who "aided and abetted" remain -- and now carry the Bishop's Mitre across this nation.

Press 1 for English; Press 2 for Deportation wrote on Feb 19, 2007 11:20 PM:Correction: the Roman Catholic Diocese is not being "forced" to file for bankruptcy; they are choosing it as the best way to save money. How can their leaders still pretend to have any "link to God" if they take the coward's way out of this. Why not sell some of your millions in real estate holdings? You make me sick and very glad I never supported by attendance or donation their crooked organization. Cardinal Mahoney should be in prison.

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