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	Skylstad Accusation Another Obstacle for Diocese By Alex Fitterer Gonzaga Bulletin [Spokane WA] April 7, 2006 http://www.gonzagabulletin.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticlePrinterFriendly&uStory_id=15748ea4-4829-4b27-b318-bda4a364b4b2 While the Spokane Diocese is working to restore trust during the last 16 months, after filing for bankruptcy, an alleged claim against Catholic Bishop William Skylstad has only made matters worse. In recent weeks turmoil erupted when a woman claimed Skylstad sexually abused her in Spokane nearly 40 years ago. Skylstad firmly denies the accusations made against him. A March 16 article published by The Spokesman-Review states, "The claim was filed Dec. 27 by a woman who said she was under the age of 18 between 1961 and 1964 - the time period she alleges that Skylstad sexually abused her at St. Patrick's Parish and at Gonzaga." The alleged victim's name will not be released due to a court order related to the Catholic Diocese's bankruptcy case. The article went on to state, "Skylstad, who was in his late 20s during the time of the woman's claim, was a student at Gonzaga University from 1962 to 1966, but had no apparent connection to St. Patrick's Parish in Hillyard. In fact, he was in Colbert, teaching math and physics to students attending Mater Cleri Seminary." Skylstad is a member of the Gonzaga Board of Regents. The Board of Regents serves as an advisory board to the Trustees and president of the University. The Gonzaga Web site states that along with the Gonzaga Board of Regents, Skylstad also serves on the Catholic Health Care and Labor Board, and the Catholic Medical Mission Board. In addition to his role as Bishop of the Catholic Church in Eastern Washington, Bishop Skylstad is president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Spokane Diocese in 1989, and Spokane's bishop in 1990. The Spokesman-Review reported, "According to the diocese's policies and procedures, as well as the 'Charter for the Protection of Young People,' a 2002 document created and approved by the American bishops, allegations of sexual misconduct or other inappropriate behavior are to be reported to the Office of the Bishop and to the coordinator responsible for addressing the needs of sexual abuse victims." Procedure requires that the accused individual must be relieved of his duties with pay while the investigation is conducted. "I have kept the promise of celibacy that I made when I was ordained a deacon 47 years ago," Skylstad said in a report published in the Inland Register. "I hope that the Spokane community will join me in praying for all those who have come forward to report sexual abuse. Please pray for me as well." The bishop remains active in the ministry. Should a credible accusation emerge, only the Vatican could order the bishop to step down, said the Rev. Steve Dublinski, vicar general of the diocese. This charge is the latest in a series of events that have shaken the Spokane Diocese. The Spokesman-Review said parish leaders fear the bankruptcy will cost more than $80 million, with most of the money collected by mortgaging or selling parish churches and schools. An appraisal completed in March 2006 estimates the value of parish property at about $80 million. A $45.7 million settlement offer has been made to 75 of the 179 people who have filed sex abuse claims. The offer has been called a breakthrough in the case that could speed its resolution, possibly wrapping up sometime this autumn. On March 29, The Spokesman-Review reported that the Catholic Diocese of Spokane is unable to pay its lawyers due to a shortage of cash. As major developments in the bankruptcy continue to unfold, it was revealed that lawyers for the diocese have not been paid for at least two months. The newspaper reported that according to its most recent financial statement, the diocese has about $2 million on hand. It is unclear how much is now owed to various parties, but the accrual of legal fees alone is at least $1.4 million, according to the diocese. Even though Attorney Shaun Cross and the other lawyers at his firm, Paine Hamblen Coffin Brooke & Miller, are deferring fees, they expect to be paid. They announced late last week that a settlement has been made with one of its liability insurers for $5.25 million, which will be used to pay sex abuse claims against the church. The settlement will be released in October 2007, the same time a lump sum of $27 million is owed to victims. By the Numbers Spokane Diocese Total sex abuse claims: 179 Settlement offer: $45.7 million for 75 of the sex abuse claims. Estimated value of parish property: $80 million.
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