Judge Holds Hearing In Delaware Diocese Bankruptcy
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) -- A bankruptcy judge is expected to approve documents outlining the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington's proposed reorganization plan, including a $77 million settlement with nearly 150 alleged victims of priest sex abuse, after certain revisions are made.
Among other things, the judge said Monday that he wants the diocese to clarify its plans for paying pensions to eligible priests, including those who are confirmed child abusers, and to spell out what individual parishes are contributing to the settlement.
The settlement would release the diocese and its parishes from legal claims involving the priest sex abuse scandal. In return, the diocese would provide access to documents detailing how church officials handled pedophile clerics.
The diocese sought bankruptcy protection in 2009 just before a series of trials involving child sex abuse lawsuits.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
