New Twist In Portland Archdiocese Saga
The Archdiocese of Portland recently filed a new bankruptcy plan with the US Bankruptcy Court. This new plan was in anticipation of a payment of $75 million to settle outstanding sex abuse claims against some of its clergy. According to the new plan, over $40 million will go to 143 people, and another $14 million has been set aside to cover claims by around 26 more people who may not have sued or settled.
The church has also set aside $20 million as a contingency fund. This fund is expected to cover any future claims. Insurance will cover over $50 million. The church expects to raise the remainder amount by liquidating some of its holdings. This will not include the parish or school property.
The Portland archdiocese holds the distinction of being the first one to file for bankruptcy in the face of civil litigation over sex abuse claims. Sorry, I’m not trying to be disrespectful here. It’s just that sexual abuse by one or a few priests affecting an entire archdiocese is not fair. I mean it is not fair to the congregation. And the best thing the Vatican and the churches can do is ensure that justice is delivered quickly.
According to the lawsuit, which was filed in 2002 the Vatican, the Archdiocese of Portland and the archbishop of Chicago allegedly conspired to protect a priest by transferring him from city to city, even though the church knew he had a history of committing sexual abuse.