Bankruptcy court rejects plan for Wilmington diocese
July 15, 2011
In Delaware, a federal bankruptcy-court judge has refused to grant his approval to a plan for reorganization of the Wilmington diocese.
Judge Christopher Sontchi objected to a provision in the reorganization plan that could have allowed the diocese to provide financial support to accused priests, at a time when the diocese argues that it cannot fully fund settlements to abuse victims. Bishop William Malooly promised that he would resist pressure to give "sustenance" to clerics found guilty of abuse. But the judge--who has openly questioned the courtroom maneuvers of the diocese, was unconvinced. He said: "I'm not going to confirm a plan unless there is some prohibition on that, because I don't think [the diocese] is operating in good faith."
Lawyers representing abuse victims said that agreement on a plan to reorganize the finances of the Wilmington diocese now "has fallen apart."
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Posted by: lauriem5377 -
Jul. 18, 2011 5:16 PM ET USA
The abuse scandal has been going on for such a long time and it still feels in some cases that the rights of the perpetrators are given more concern than those of the victims - that the hierarchy still doesn't quite understand the gravity for the victims. Please pray for both the victims and convicted clergy for comfort and healing - and for our Church to open its heart to speak and act with true compassion and caring toward all involved in these abhorrent events.
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Posted by: -
Jul. 15, 2011 10:03 PM ET USA
A Diocese not acting in good faith? Not being able to trust the word of a Bishop? Unthinkable! But that it could nevertheless be possible is one of the greatest damages of the scandal....
