Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester Filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester is seeking cover in Bankruptcy Court from a flood of sexual abuse lawsuits.

The Chapter 11 filing says the diocese has between 200 and 999 creditors, including "various sex abuse claimants".

The diocese is looking to reorganize its finances and continue to operate. It is the first in the state to file Chapter 11 because of the sex abuse scandal.

The diocese is facing what could be substantial payouts for claims of sex abuse by priests -- including suits now being brought for allegations dating back decades.

The diocese estimates its assets as between $50 million and $100 million, but says its liabilities could be as high as $500 million.


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