Judge Says Constitution May Protect Bankrupt Archdiocese

By Tom Corrigan
Daily Bankruptcy Review
June 2, 2016

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A federal judge overseeing the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis's bankruptcy said clergy sexual abuse victims seeking greater access to the archdiocese's assets may have to clear a number of potentially high legal hurdles, including the First Amendment.

During a hearing Thursday at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Minneapolis, Judge Robert Kressel questioned whether victims' recent request to force the archdiocese to pool assets from hundreds of related---but legally distinct---affiliates is inconsistent with the protections of religious freedom enshrined in the Constitution....