Judge: Churches belong to diocese
Published: Dec. 31, 2005 at 6:30 PM
PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- A bankruptcy judge in Oregon has ruled that the Archdiocese of Portland, not its member parishes, owns Roman Catholic churches and schools.
Judge Elizabeth Perris's decision means that about $500 million in assets could be used to pay damages to victims of sexual abuse by priests. The judge did not decide whether forcing sales of church buildings would violate the religious freedom of Catholics in western Oregon, the Portland Oregonian reported.
The archdiocese filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code last year, the first Roman Catholic diocese to take that step. Lawyers for the church argued that the individual parishes, under canon law, are separate from the diocese even though their priests are appointed by the archbishop.
The diocese had settled with 130 victims for a total of $53 million when it filed for bankruptcy and faced millions of dollars more in claims.
Judge Elizabeth Perris's decision means that about $500 million in assets could be used to pay damages to victims of sexual abuse by priests. The judge did not decide whether forcing sales of church buildings would violate the religious freedom of Catholics in western Oregon, the Portland Oregonian reported.
The archdiocese filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code last year, the first Roman Catholic diocese to take that step. Lawyers for the church argued that the individual parishes, under canon law, are separate from the diocese even though their priests are appointed by the archbishop.
The diocese had settled with 130 victims for a total of $53 million when it filed for bankruptcy and faced millions of dollars more in claims.
© 2005 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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