Winona Bishop Quinn weighs in on bankruptcy rumors

WXOW
January 18, 2015

http://www.wxow.com/story/27878728/bishop-quinn-weighs-in-on-bankruptcy-rumors-assures-parishioners-they-are-not-filing-at-this-time

WINONA, Minn. (KTTC) -- - After the Archdiocese of St. Paul Minneapolis filed for bankruptcy there was slight concern other diocese involved in the clergy sex abuse cases may do the same. The Diocese of Winona was rumored to be considering filing for bankruptcy in the past but Winona Bishop John Quinn said no steps have been taken to date.

The Diocese of Winona has listed the names of 15 priests who have served local parishes with "credible" claims of sexual abuse against them.

Back in March, Bishop Quinn wrote a letter to the Vatican explaining the diocese anticipated more than just those 15 claims and was considering bankruptcy.

"At this time, there are no plans for the Diocese of Winona to file for bankruptcy. However, there are still a number of months which lawsuits can be filed. We need to find that out and perhaps actions may be necessary but, we at this time are not prepared or thinking about bankruptcy," said Bishop Quinn.

There is still 18 months remaining for victims to report cases of past sexual abuse by priests as stated in the Minnesota Child Victims Act. 

As for the 15 accused priests, only four are still alive. Thomas Adamson who lives in Rochester, Leland Smith living in Winona, and Joseph Cashman who now lives in Dallas, Texas. The fourth living priest was deported to India following his conviction.

For now Bishop Quinn says the Diocese of Winona will continue its day-to-day mission of serving Christ and helping others and has no foreseeable plan to file for bankruptcy.