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	Bishop Fears Diocese May File for Bankruptcy Universe Newsroom [San Diego CA] February 21, 2007 http://www.totalcatholic.com/universe/index.php?news_id=2239&start=0&category_id=&parent_id=0&arcyear=&arcmonth= Groups representing families involved in the on-going sex abuse scandal in San Diego have asked Bishop Robert Brom to think again about declaring the diocese bankrupt. In a letter to parishioners in the diocese at the weekend Bishop Brom said that if fair settlements for the victims could not be reached "the diocese may be forced to file a Chapter 11 reorganisation in bankruptcy court." He added that the diocese was concerned "that settlements may cripple the ability of the Church to accomplish its mission and ministries." Writing just 10 days ahead of the first case is due to be heard in court, Bishop Brom said he was painfully aware of the harm that victims have suffered. However, representatives of the Survivors Network, which is fighting on behalf of the victims, say they are disappointed with talk of bankruptcy. "We've been fighting long and hard to get the truth out in San Diego and the fact that the bishop is now hinting at a bankruptcy is a real slap in the face to the survivors," said Joelle Casteix from the Survivors Network. In total, 155 lawsuits have been filed against the San Diego and the San Bernardino Dioceses. However, diocesan lawyers have argued that some of the lawsuits make a range of duplicate allegations from unfair business practices to civil-rights violations. They claim many of which fall outside the scope of what is allowed by law.
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