Winona Bishop: Abuse Suits Will Push Diocese into Bankruptcy

By Madeleine Baran St. Paul, Minn
Minnesota Public Radio
October 6, 2014

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/10/07/winona-diocese-headed-toward-bankruptcy

[with copy of Bishop John Quinn's letter]

Documents released Tuesday show the Catholic Diocese of Winona expects to file for bankruptcy because of clergy sex abuse lawsuits.

Winona bishop John Quinn described the plan in a March 25, 2014 letter to the Vatican. He cited the Minnesota Child Victims Act, which created a three-year window for victims of child sex abuse to file lawsuits for older claims. The window expires in mid-2016.

The Winona diocese "has received several claims of negligence upon other offenders since the statute's inception, anticipates several more, and anticipates eventually bankruptcy as a result of these lawsuits," Quinn wrote.

"Both attorneys and elements within the public media have exhibited unwavering resolve in their efforts to further defame alleged offenders, foster discredit in church officials, and instill common anger and mistrust toward the Universal Church," he added.

It's unclear whether the letter was sent.

Diocese spokesman Joel Hennessy said he was unaware of the bankruptcy reference. He said the diocese will issue a statement on the files later today.