BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Facing potentially millions in sexual abuse settlements, Burlington’s Roman Catholic Diocese says it had no choice but to file for bankruptcy this week.
The diocese filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday, an effort to shield itself from more than a dozen ongoing sex abuse claims by establishing a process where remaining funds can be split amongst any possible settlements. It comes after already paying out nearly $40 million since 2006.
Burlington’s bishop says the diocese is responsible for the payments and he hopes payouts do not include parishes and other associated agencies but that he can’t guarantee that separate entities will not have to contribute.