|
|
Milwaukee
Archdiocese Files Plan to Emerge from Bankruptcy
WISN
February 12, 2014
http://www.wisn.com/news/south-east-wisconsin/milwaukee/milwaukee-archdiocese-files-plan-to-emerge-from-bankruptcy/24431022
[with video]
MILWAUKEE —The Archdiocese of Milwaukee will file
documents Wednesday evening to outline its plan to emerge from
bankruptcy.
Archbishop Jerome Listecki said last month that the
reorganization plan would include a therapy fund for all
survivors of clergy sexual abuse. He said Wednesday there is a
multi-million dollar fund for the victims of clergy abuse.
"The $4 million is basically there, fully realizing
that no amount of money is ever going to fully compensate those
survivors," Listecki said.
In documents released Wednesday, the Plan of
Reorganization establishes:
-
A $500,000 therapy fund to provide lifetime therapy
payments to those abused by priests
-
Financial settlements for abuse survivors with
eligible claims
-
An operational plan for the archdiocese to continue
its ministry in the community
-
A commitment to prevention of child sexual abuse
within the church
-
That no priest with substantiated allegations of
sexual abuse of a minor can ever serve in public ministry
within the archdiocese
Read Archbishop Listecki's
letter to Catholics
The summary of the plan also stated that five parcels of
undeveloped real estate will be converted into cash and used as
collateral to secure the loan needed to pay administrative
expenses related to the bankruptcy proceedings.
The summary also states that the debt on the Cousins
Center will be restructured, and the lease with the Milwaukee
Bucks for use of the center will be renegotiated to help offset
building operations.
VIDEO: Archbishop considers
bankruptcy plan a 'new start'
"This is a major step toward ending the bankruptcy and
returning our focus to the primary mission of the church; namely,
proclaiming the Gospel, worshiping more fully, and serving our
sisters and brothers in need," Listecki said. "This plan makes
sure abuse survivors continue receiving the assistance they
need."
But the group representing Milwaukee area sexual abuse
survivors blasted the plan.
"This settlement amount is so low. It is absolutely the
lowest settlement, by a factor of 50, compared to other
bankruptcies in the United States," SNAP spokesman Peter Isely
said.
"We hope the Milwaukee archdiocesan plan will be
rejected," SNAP Director David Clohessy said in a news release.
|