Oregon Jesuit Province files for bankruptcy
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Confronted by scores of lawsuits alleging sex abuse by priests, the Jesuits of the Oregon Province filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The petition was filed Tuesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Portland.
In a statement, the Very Rev. Patrick J. Lee, the current provincial, said that with roughly 200 additional claims pending or threatened, the action was the only way fair financial settlements could be offered.
The Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, covers Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho and Montana.
Many of the lawsuits were filed on behalf of Alaska Natives who say they were sexually abused as children.
The petition was filed Tuesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Portland.
In a statement, the Very Rev. Patrick J. Lee, the current provincial, said that with roughly 200 additional claims pending or threatened, the action was the only way fair financial settlements could be offered.
The Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, covers Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho and Montana.
Many of the lawsuits were filed on behalf of Alaska Natives who say they were sexually abused as children.