MINNESOTA
Pioneer Press
The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis reported a $9.1 million operating deficit for fiscal year 2014 and reiterated Thursday that it’s considering filing for bankruptcy because of the potential for more lawsuits by victims of clergy sexual abuse.
The archdiocese released its financial information in its newspaper, the Catholic Spirit, more than a week after it said it was cutting its central office budget by 20 percent, including 11 jobs. Archbishop John Nienstedt called the situation “disheartening” but wrote that the chancery’s finances won’t directly affect parishes, schools or other Catholic institutions.
“I am determined to see that the ministries and essential services provided by the Chancery Corporation will continue,” he wrote.
The archdiocese said its operating deficit can be partly attributed to $4.1 million spent to address allegations of clergy sexual abuse since May 2013, when a three-year window opened for abuse victims to file claims that were otherwise barred under the statute of limitations.
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