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	Fairbanks Catholic Diocese Filing for Bankruptcy By Megan Baldino KTUU February 13, 2008 http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=7869569 ANCHORAGE, Alaska — It was a tough day for the Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks. The organization is filing for bankruptcy after negotiations to settle sexual abuse claims failed. More than 150 claims were filed against the church for alleged crimes at the hands of clergy or church workers between the 1950s and 1980s. In a press release issued Wednesday, Bishop Donald Kettler says the Diocese's insurance company is not covering the claims. A spokesperson for the Diocese says it's time for everyone to move on and heal. "We do acknowledge that wrongs were committed and the chapter 11 process is a way for us to start acknowledging that and allowing for some compensation," Robert Hannon said. The attorney for plaintiffs in the case said this will be another step in his clients' roads to recovery. "I'm sure that when this word reaches them formally tonight there will be a great deal of relief and hope for them that they can put this behind them and go on with their lives," Ken Roosa said. The Diocese operating budget is around $6 million and the settlement is expected to cost the diocese millions of dollars more than that. The co-defendant in the abuse cases, the Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, already settled for $50 million. Contact Megan Baldino at mbaldino@ktuu.com
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