San Diego diocese to file for bankruptcy on trial s eve, bishop says
2/27/2007SAN DIEGO The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego said today that it planned to file for bankruptcy protection to put off going to trial in more than 140 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by priests.
In a letter posted on the diocese s Web site, Bishop Robert Brom said the diocese made its decision because any damages awarded early in a trial could
deplete diocesan and insurance resources, leaving nothing for other victims. He also noted the time the process could take.
Attorney Micheal Webb said the diocese planned to file for bankruptcy protection by midnight, just hours before the first trial was scheduled to go forward Wednesday in a San Diego courtroom. A Chapter 11 filing automatically halts court proceedings.
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