Tucson, Ariz., Jul 14, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson defended his diocese’s decision to consider filing for bankruptcy in the Yuma Sun yesterday after begin accused of resorting to bankruptcy to avoid settling claims of sexual abuse.
The diocese is expected to appear before the court in three cases of sexual abuse in September.
Lynne Cadigan, an attorney representing an alleged victim of clergy sexual abuse, told the newspaper that the discussion about bankruptcy is a ploy by the diocese to taint the jury pool and persuade potential jurors that it is poor and can't afford to compensate victims.
But Bishop Kicanas rejects this argument. He told the Yuma Sun that filing for Chapter 11 is the best way for the diocese to respond to "those who have been hurt."