San Diego Diocese Considers Bankruptcy in Alleged Clergy Abuse Lawsuits

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published February 20, 2007 at 10:02 AM PST

This story was published more than 17 years ago.

The Diocese of San Diego speaks with people who say they were abused by priests. Meanwhile, attorneys for the alleged clergy abuse victims say this ultra-rich diocese is attempting to delay justice.

Tom Fudge: Hundreds of San Diego priests met with Bishop Robert Brom on Monday to discuss the financial future of the diocese. Brom announced over the weekend that he was considering taking the diocese into bankruptcy. The reason? More than a hundred lawsuits alleging past sexual abuse of youngsters by local priests.

Brom says if the diocese can't settle the cases, bankruptcy protection may be the only good option. A handful of other American Catholic dioceses have resorted to Chapter 11, including Tucson, Ariz. and Portland, Ore.

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Mark Sauer is covering this story for the San Diego Union-Tribune .

Guest

Mark Sauer, staff writer for the San Diego Union-Tribune who covers religion.

End Music: The Look of Love by The Meters, from the album Zony Mash (2003)