Stockton Catholic Diocese to File Bankruptcy

By Rich Ibarra
The Capital Public Radio
January 14, 2014

http://www.capradio.org/articles/2014/01/13/stockton-catholic-diocese-to-file-bankruptcy/

The Catholic Diocese of Stockton will file for bankruptcy on Wednesday partly in response to the financial loss of sexual abuse cases by priests.

[with audio]

Stockton's Catholic Bishop says he will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Wednesday, making it the tenth in the United States to make such a filing.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Stockton has been hit hard by parishioner lawsuits over sexual abuse by priests.

The diocese and its insurers have paid out more than 32 million dollars over the last 20 years.

Stockton Bishop Stephen Blaire says bankruptcy will allow the diocese to provide compensation for victims who have not yet had their day in court.

"We could probably put together a few bucks for one new case but what happens to all the others who come afterward."

~Bishop Stephen Blaire