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	Judge Orders Release of Archdiocese's Bankruptcy Documents By Bryan Denson The Oregonian July 13, 2009 http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/portland_archdiocese_papers_se.html A judge Monday ordered the public release of more than 1,000 pages of discovery documents in the Archdiocese of Portland bankruptcy case, including records that name priests not previously identified as accused child molesters. The records -- including priest personnel files -- will be kept confidential for 30 days to give a few priests and lawyers for the archdiocese time to decide whether they will appeal. The archdiocese issued a statement opposing the release, arguing that in some cases, no claim was ever brought against the individual named in the files. The archdiocese also says that some of the individuals were accused of misconduct with no proof other than the accusation. Spokesman Bud Bunce said the archdiocese is weighing its options. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Elizabeth L. Perris ordered lawyers to redact information that would identify victims. She also ordered the redaction of personal information about accused priests, including their addresses, Social Security numbers and family information. "The tort claimants have forced the archdiocese to do what it promised to do back in April 2007 -- release relevant and appropriate documents concerning accused clergy," said Portland lawyer Erin Olson, who represents the 22 people seeking release of the documents. Perris' order also authorized the release of depositions taken by attorneys for claimants in the bankruptcy, including that of former Portland Archbishop William Levada, who is now a cardinal at the Vatican. The archdiocese released thousands of pages of records during its bankruptcy proceedings, which began in July 2004. But in April 2007, Archbishop John Vlazny promised to release more documents relating to accusations of Catholic priests abusing children. Victims of priest abuse complained that the archdiocese had been too selective in its release of records. Olson reopened the bankruptcy case in 2008 to persuade Perris to release documents in the public interest. Perris reviewed thousands of pages of documents submitted to her by the claimants, which the archdiocese handed over under a protective order. Perris authorized the release of more than 1,000 pages. Bryan Denson; bryandenson@news.oregonian.com
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