Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena Files for Bankruptcy

By Emily Foster
ABC Fox Montana
January 31, 2014

http://www.abcfoxmontana.com/story/24600346/roman-catholic-diocese-of-helena-files-for-bankruptcy

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena files for bankruptcy as part of a $15 million settlement with victims of sexual abuse by clergy members.

Two lawsuits were filed back in 2011 claiming clergy members abused 362 children from the 1930s to the 1970s.

Dan Bartleson, the Communications Director for the Diocese of Helena, said under the approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the $15 million would compensate the 362 victims.

"What we're trying to do here is be able to function going forward as a diocese as well as engage folks who have come forward with claims in a way that is pastoral and fair," Bartleson said.

In the two lawsuits filed three years ago, victims claim the diocese shielded the offenders, or knew they posed a threat to children.

Bartleson said the diocese has since taken full responsibly in the matter, and Helena Bishop George Thomas says has met with many of the victims and their families.

"And take the time to really understand the devastation in some of these situations and to try to engage them in a humane way."

Bartleson said additional settlement funds would be available for victims who have yet to come forward.

"The diocese is not entering bankruptcy to avoid paying damages to claimants or to avoid any ongoing pastoral care," he said.

The diocese was already strained financially before the lawsuit and laid off about 7% of its 200 employees across western Montana.

Bartleson said the lawsuits have put additional strain on the diocese, as they expect to provide about $2.5 million in legal fees.

"We are also in a spot where we are not able to move forward on building projects and other programs that were underway."

Attorneys for the diocese expect the bankruptcy process will resolve the case more quickly than years of litigation and trials.

Bartleson said, "Folks who are Catholic and attend our parishes will hear from their pastors this weekend."

Members of the church said none of the accused clergy members are active in the ministry, and most have died.

Members of the diocese said the Ursuline Sisters of the Western Province-- the other organization accused in the lawsuits-- are not participating in the settlement agreements.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena is filing for bankruptcy protection amid lawsuits claiming clergy members abused 362 children over decades.

Diocese spokesman Dan Bartleson said in a statement Friday the Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization case will help resolve the abuse claims.

The diocese covers western Montana and employs about 200 people.

The two lawsuits filed in 2011 claim clergy members abused the children from the 1930s to the 1970s.

They claim the diocese shielded the offenders and knew or should have known the threat they posed.

The plaintiffs, the diocese and the Ursuline Sisters of the Western Province held three mediation sessions, but the talks faltered with challenges by the church's insurers over the claims they must cover.