News

09 May: News Release: Abuse Survivor Breaks Silence About Abuse by Former Top Official of the Diocese of Crookston

Sexual Abuse Survivor Ron Vasek Breaks SilenceAbout Abuse by Former Diocese of Crookston Vicar General Msgr. Roger GrundhausCrookston Bishop Michael Hoeppner Sued for Coercion (St. Paul, MN) – A Minnesota man sued the Diocese of Crookston and Bishop Michael Hoeppner on Tuesday, claiming that Hoeppner coerced him into keeping silent about his alleged abuse by a Diocese of Crookston priest 46 years ago and signing a document stating the abuse never occurred.Ron Vasek and his attorney, Jeff Anderson, announced the filing of the lawsuit in St. Paul. Vasek alleges that he was abused as a minor by…

15 Mar: News Release: Archdiocese of New York Announces Phase II of Sexual Abuse Compensation Program—Deadline July 31, 2017

(New York, New York) – The Archdiocese of New York announced Phase II of its Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) for survivors of clerical sexual abuse. The program which opened in October has now been extended to include sexual abuse survivors who have not previously reported their abuse to the Archdiocese. However, the question of a survivor’s…

14 Mar: Archdiocese of New York Announces Phase II of It’s Abuse Compensation Program

Sexual abuse survivors are eligible to receive compensation for the abuse they suffered even if they have not previously reported to the Archdiocese Eligibility for the program turns on alleged perpetrator identity and proof (New York, New York) – The Archdiocese of New York announced Phase II of its Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) for survivors of clerical sexual abuse. The program which opened in October has now been extended to include sexual abuse survivors who have not previously reported their abuse to the Archdiocese. However, the question of a survivor’s elig…

03 Mar: News Release: Diocese of New Ulm Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

(New Ulm, MN) – Today, the Diocese of New Ulm filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. The Diocese of New Ulm is the sixteenth Catholic Diocese or Religious Order to file for bankruptcy in the United States. In 2015, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis and the Diocese of Duluth filed for bankruptcy protection as well. Both cases are still pending in bankruptcy court. “The bankruptcy filing does not stop the pursuit of justice for sexual abuse survivors,” said Attorney Mike Finnegan. “Survivors will continue to seek truth and accountability in the bankruptcy process.” Sexual abus…

15 Dec: News Release: Two Proposed Reorganization Plans to Move Forward in Archdiocese Bankruptcy Case

(Minneapolis, MN) – In a hearing today in United States Bankruptcy Court in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis Bankruptcy case, the Honorable Robert J. Kressel ruled that two proposed reorganization plans will move forward. One plan was submitted by the Archdiocese and the other plan was submitted by the Creditors’ Committee.“We are pleased that the court is going to allow the survivors’ voices to be heard,” said Attorney Jeff Anderson. Both plans are drastically different and this is the first time that two competing plans will go to vote in a Diocesan or Religious Order bankrupt…

14 Dec: News Release: Hearing Tomorrow in Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis Bankruptcy Case

(St. Paul, MN) – A hearing is scheduled for Thursday, December 15, 2016, at 1:00PM before Hon. Robert J. Kressel in United States Bankruptcy Court in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis bankruptcy case. Several issues will be addressed at the hearing and Judge Kressel may decide whether the proposed bankruptcy plans filed by the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis and the Creditors’ Committee, will move forward. 

18 Nov: News Release: Abuse Survivors File Amended Bankruptcy Plan

 (Minneapolis, MN) – The Creditors’ Committee in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis bankruptcy case has filed an amended reorganization plan. The plan preserves the rights to over $1 billion in available insurance assets. “Some of the major insurance companies in the Archdiocese bankruptcy case are refusing to pay what they owe, leaving the abuse survivors to suffer,” said Attorney Jeff Anderson. “Travelers, CNA and AIG are asking the court to allow them to pay pennies on the dollar when their insurance contracts require them to pay close…

28 Jul: News Release: Judge Denies Consolidation Request in Archdiocese Bankruptcy Case

Judge Denies Consolidation Request in Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis Bankruptcy CaseCreditors Committee, Survivors to Appeal DecisionOrder Denying Substantive ConsolidationTimeline – ADSPM Maneuvers Post-CVA(Minneapolis, MN) – In an order issued today in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Minnesota, Judge Robert J. Kressel denied a motion to consolidate assets in the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis bankruptcy case. On May 23, 2016, the creditors committee moved to consolidate several entities into the bankruptcy estate. Included in this motion was an outline of the complicated and d…