El Paso Diocese Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Amid Abuse Lawsuits

The El Paso Catholic Diocese has initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings due to potential liabilities from 12 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by clergy. These suits, involving 18 plaintiffs, claim abuse occurred between 1956 and 1982 when the parishes were part of the El Paso diocese. Bishop Mark Seitz emphasized that this move is necessary to equitably address claims while protecting the diocese, which has limited resources. The diocese's assets are estimated between $10 million and $50 million, with liabilities ranging from $1 million to $10 million. The bankruptcy process is expected to take one to two years, but it will not immediately impact the 56 individual parishes, which are legally separate entities.

Key Details: • Bankruptcy filing submitted to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas. • Annual Mass of Atonement for abuse victims scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1118 N. Mesa St. • The bankruptcy process may last one to two years and will involve negotiations with attorneys representing abuse claimants.