Stockton Diocese Weighs Bankruptcy Filing

Catholic Culture
September 6, 2013

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=18969

The Diocese of Stockton, California, could soon become the 10th Catholic diocese in the US to file for bankruptcy in the face of costly legal settlements with sex-abuse victims.

Stockton’s Bishop Stephen Blaire announced that the diocese is exploring every available option for meeting its financial obligations. But he warned that “options other than filing for bankruptcy protection have not emerged.” The bishop said that it “appears likely” the diocese will enter federal bankruptcy court.

The announcement from Stockton comes close on the heels of the news that the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico will file for bankruptcy protection.

Bishop Blaire is the chairman of the US bishops’ committee on domestic justice and human development.