Tucson, Ariz., Sep 21, 2004 / 22:00 pm
The Diocese of Tucson may have filed for bankruptcy protection, but its Catholics are hardly bankrupt of their faith. Tucson Catholics are keeping their faith and are standing behind their bishop and his decision Monday to ensure the future of the diocese by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Several parishioners told the Tucson Citizen that that they think Bishop Gerald Kicanas made the right decision and that they will continue to practice their faith and support the Church despite the current sexual-abuse scandal and allegations. Others said they now plan to make larger financial contributions to the diocese while some said this ordeal has made their faith grow stronger.
Parishioners have also taken the bishop up on his call to pray for the victims of sexual abuse and for healing in the diocese.
Bishop Kicanas had announced Monday that the diocese had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and had submitted a plan of reorganization to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona.