MINNEAPOLIS _ Attorneys representing clergy abuse victims appear ready to announce the long-awaited settlement in the Twin Cities archdiocese bankruptcy case Thursday that they say will be the largest ever and will involve more than 400 victims.
St. Paul lawyer Jeff Anderson, who has represented clergy abuse victims around the country, scheduled the event at his office. He described the announcement as a consensual bankruptcy reorganization plan between survivors and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The news release provided no indication of the amount of the settlement.
It's been a long haul. The archdiocese sought bankruptcy protection in 2015, citing the expected costs of settling abuse cases. Only Milwaukee's legal fight lasted longer.
The bankruptcy slog has come with the consternation of both victims and the church. Victims have been angry with the church _ first for the abuse and cover-up, then through the protracted bankruptcy.
Archdiocese leaders have been concerned that a massive settlement compromise the church's ability to carry out the missions of youth education, support for the poor and pastoral care among the Twin Cities' estimated 800,000 Catholics.
Legal fees for victims, usually about one third of a settlement, could hit $40 million, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Kressel wrote in a recent memo.
As recently as March, the Minnesota bankruptcy case showed no indications of approaching conclusion. Kressel ordered the sides back to mediation in December after rejecting a reorganization plan.
Since the claim was filed, Kressel said at least seven survivors had died and more were in the 70s and 80s.
Four of Minnesota's six Catholic dioceses have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Nationally, 15 dioceses and archdioceses have declared bankruptcy in recent years, according to Bishops Accountability, a database tracking clergy abuse. Only the Milwaukee diocese's case lasted more than four years; San Diego wrapped things up in seven months. Observers have said most cases settled within a year or two.
Two months ago, Anderson announced a $25 million settlement with the Phoenix-based Crosier order. The order, which has a base in Onamia, settled with victims of abuse that occurred mostly in the 1960s and 1980s.
