Archbishop John Nienstedt addressed media Jan. 16 following the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ filing for Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. “I make this decision because I believe it is the fairest and most helpful recourse for those victims and survivors who have made claims against us,” he said.
The archbishop held a press conference with members of his 10-person leadership team by his side, including Father Charles Lachowitzer, vicar general and moderator of the curia, and Bishop Lee Piché, vicar general for clergy and parishes (pictured).
Archbishop Nienstedt emphasized that the filing does not involve any parishes or schools in the archdiocese, and that it “will not in any way avoid our responsibilities to those who have been affected by clergy sexual abuse.”
“This is not an attempt to silence victims or deny them justice in court,” Archbishop Nienstedt said. “On the contrary, we want to respond positively in compensating them for their suffering.” The archdiocese corporation filed a petition for reorganization Jan. 16 with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the District of Minnesota.
