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El Paso Diocese Initiates Bankruptcy Amid Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

El Paso Matters••Robert Moore
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The El Paso Catholic Diocese has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization due to potential large judgments in 12 lawsuits alleging clergy sexual abuse, involving 18 plaintiffs from incidents dating back to 1956. Bishop Mark Seitz emphasized that this decision is not an attempt to evade responsibility but a necessary step to equitably address claims. The diocese's assets are estimated between $10 million and $50 million, while liabilities range from $1 million to $10 million. The bankruptcy process is expected to take one to two years, but will not immediately impact the 56 parishes in the area, which are legally separate entities. The diocese has insurance policies to cover settlements, although some older cases pose financial risks due to lack of coverage at the time.

Key Details: • Bankruptcy filing submitted to U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas. • Annual Mass of Atonement for sex abuse victims scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1118 N. Mesa St. • Reorganization process may take one to two years to complete.

sexual-abuse bankruptcy lawsuits catholic-diocese bishop-seitz

People & Organizations

El PasoLas CrucesSt. Patrick CathedralMark SeitzEl Paso Catholic Diocese

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