FAIRBANKS (AK)
Anchorage Daily News
The Associated Press
Published: February 14, 2006
Last Modified: February 14, 2006 at 01:53 AM
FAIRBANKS -- The Fairbanks Catholic Diocese may have to consider bankruptcy if the church loses pending court decisions in sexual abuse lawsuits.
Priests in the diocese's far-flung churches read a letter during weekend services from Bishop Donald Kettler outlining ways to handle the more than 90 sexual abuse claims against former priests and church volunteers.
Most parishioners weren't surprised that bankruptcy is among those options.
"We know what's happening in other dioceses, with bankruptcies," said Anne Aleshire, a 13-year parishioner at St. Raphael Catholic Parish.
Kettler wrote that his top priority would be to "provide equitable, fair and just support for the victims, families and communities affected by the sexual abuse."