SPOKANE (WA)
KXLY
Local churches are reacting to a federal ruling that could force the Spokane Catholic Diocese to sell churches, schools and all parish property to pay victims of priest sexual abuse.
The ruling came Friday, after the diocese began seeking Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection, saying it could only pay $10 million for victims of priest abuse. Victims argued the diocese could pay more if the church sold schools and other parish property.
Local Catholics News4 spoke with are upset and sad. Before the 11am mass at the Cathedral of our Lady Lourdes, a few Catholics said they understand the victims have suffered, but they don't think they should too. One women says she does not want the current Catholic population to pay for sins that happened decades ago.
Victims of clergy abuse have said they do not want to see churches or schools sold, they just want a resolution and the church to be held accountable.