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  Attorney Questions Milwaukee Archdiocese's Bankruptcy

WFRV
January 4, 2011

http://www.wfrv.com/news/local/Attorney-questions-Milwaukee-archdioceses-bankruptcy-112901279.html

[with video]

An attorney representing people who claim to be victims of clergy sexual abuse says he believes the Milwaukee archdiocese is filing for bankruptcy in an attempt to protect secret files and stall court proceedings.

The Milwaukee Archdiocese said Tuesday it had directed its attorneys to file for bankruptcy protection because pending sexual-abuse lawsuits have left it with debts it can't pay.

Attorney Jeff Anderson of St. Paul, Minn., represents 23 people who are suing the archdiocese. He says the archdiocese doesn't want to reveal the names of pedophile priests and the church officials who covered up the crimes and its bankruptcy is a way of avoiding that.

Anderson and others have asked for the archdiocese to make its personnel and other files made public.

Archbishop Jerome Listecki responded to the claims that the Archdiocese is trying to conceal secrets, saying, "In terms of hiding anything there isn't anything to hide."

Listecki said on the Archdiocese website they publish a list of all of the priest perpetrators.

The archbishop says he expects more victims to come forward during the next 12 to 18 months.

Milwaukee is the eighth archdiocese to file for bankruptcy as a result of the ongoing sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church.

Bishop David Ricken of the Green Bay Catholic Diocese responded to the news by saying, "I am deeply saddened by today's announcement. During this time of adversity I offer my sincere prayers and encouragement for Archbishop Listecki and the faithful of the archdiocese of Milwaukee."

 
 

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