Norwich, Conn., Jul 16, 2021 / 15:19 pm
The Diocese of Norwich filed for bankruptcy Thursday amid several dozen sexual abuse lawsuits filed related to a former school administered by the diocese.
Bishop Michael Cote, in a July 15 video message, said that the bankruptcy will “centralize all litigation and oversee a settlement that ensures that all survivors are included and treated fairly,” noting that “any settlement will be determined based on the assets of the Diocese.”
“Over the past two years, our financial and legal advisors have studied our situation and concluded that a Chapter 11 filing was the only way to ensure an equitable settlement for abuse survivors, help us manage litigation expenses, and carry out our essential mission and ministries,” Bishop Cote explained.
More than 60 lawsuits have been filed related to alleged abuse at Mount Saint John School, a former residential school for troubled boys an hour south of Hartford. Bishop Cote described the school, which was funded and audited by the state, as a “ministry” of the diocese.