The Tablet Staff

The Diocese of Rochester (N.Y.) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sept. 12, according to the Democrat and Chronicle in Rochester. 

Since the Child Victims Act went into effect in the state last month, the Rochester Diocese has paid 43 victims in clergy abuse case settlements, according to WHAM Rochester. The CVA lifted the statute of limitations on filing a civil suit for sexual abuse against a minor for one year. The window for filing a suit started on Aug. 14.

“In order to respond to claims stemming from the Child Victims Act in an equitable and comprehensive manner, and to reorganize the financial affairs of the diocese in order to permit it to continue to fulfill its ministries to the Catholic faithful of the diocese, the diocese shall seek relief through reorganization under the provisions of Chapter 11 (of the bankruptcy code),” Rochester Bishop Salvatore R. Matano wrote in the bankruptcy court filing.

The petition filed by the diocese estimates its assets to be between $50 million and $100 million, while its financial liabilities from abuse cases are estimated to be between $100 million and $500 million. The diocese has about 360,000 parishioners in 12 counties.