Priest, Professor Calls Archdiocese Bankruptcy Watershed Moment, by Bob Bach, Milwaukee Public Radio, January 5, 2011

Priest, Professor Calls Archdiocese Bankruptcy Watershed Moment

By Bob Bach
Milwaukee Public Radio
January 5, 2011

http://www.wuwm.com/programs/news/view_news.php?articleid=7517

[with audio]

Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki

The Milwaukee Archdiocese has filed for bankruptcy reorganiziation. Archbishop Jerome Listecki says the move is necessary to fairly compensate victims of past clergy abuse while the church continues its mission. Marquette University Professor Fr. Steven Avella says he was saddened to hear the news yesterday. He spoke with WUWM's Bob Bach.

An attorney representing people who claim to be victims of clergy sexual abuse says he believes the Milwaukee Archdiocese filing for bankruptcy is an attempt to protect secret files. Attorney Jeff Anderson of St. Paul, Minn., represents about two dozen people are suing the archdiocese. He believes the church aims to withhold the names of pedophile priests and officials who covered up the crimes.