From Thomas J. Abood, Chair, Archdiocesan Finance Council, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

Friday’s fee disclosure in U.S. Bankruptcy Court serves as another reminder of Judge Robert Kressel’s words that the longer this process continues, the less money will be available to those who have been harmed. The Archdiocese’s Plan contains $156 million dollars, raised by selling property, settling with insurers and parish contributions and is available as soon as the judge approves it. The Archdiocese’s Plan provides economic justice to those harmed and allows the Archdiocese to move forward with serving the Catholic faithful and the community. The Unsecured Creditors Committee plan is a thinly veiled dismantling of the local Catholic Church and would only bring extensive delays, uncertainty to claimants who may recover little or nothing, and more fees for attorneys through years of additional litigation. The Archdiocese is prepared to work with all parties to bring this matter to a just conclusion.