Catholic Diocese of Wilmington Files Bankruptcy

In yet another attempt to avoid the financial consequences of turning a blind eye to the sexual abuse of minors for decades or, worse yet, covering up the crimes, the Archdiocese of Wilmington filed bankruptcy last night on the eve of a trial civil trial in a high-profile sex abuse case against the diocese and a former priest. The case that was to begin today is the first of eight consecutive abuse trials scheduled in Delaware. Sadly, hitting the Church in its wallet seems to be the only thing that truly gets the attention of the bishops, cardinals and Popes that allowed this horrific problem to go on for years and years as part of the Vatican approved system of cover ups and efforts to silence victims and their families. Personally, I would like to see members of the Church hierarchy up on criminal charges for obstruction of justice and /or various conspiracy charges. Here are some highlights from MSNBC:
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The bankruptcy filing automatically delays the case in Kent County Superior Court, the first of eight consecutive abuse trials scheduled in Delaware. "This is a painful decision, one that I had hoped and prayed I would never have to make," said the Rev. W. Francis Malooly, the bishop of the diocese, on the diocese's Web site.

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"Our hope is that Chapter 11 proceedings will enable us to fairly compensate all victims through a single process established by the Bankruptcy Court," Malooly said. The diocese covers Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland and serves about 230,000 Catholics. It is the seventh U.S. diocese to file for bankruptcy since allegations erupting seven years ago against Catholic clergy in Boston.

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Thomas Neuberger, an attorney representing 88 alleged victims, described the bankruptcy filing as a "desperate effort to hide the truth from the public and conceal the thousands of pages of scandalous documents" from being made public in court. "This filing is the latest, sad chapter in the diocese's decades long 'cover-up' of these despicable crimes, to maintain the secrecy surrounding its responsibility and complicity in the sexual abuse of hundreds of Catholic children," Neuberger said in a statement.

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Neuberger said he would make court filings in Delaware to "meet this fraudulent tactic with the full and immediate force of the law." He also vowed to seek out all assets of the diocese and its parishes. More than 20 Delaware plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against former priest Francis DeLuca. DeLuca served for 35 years but was defrocked last summer after having been jailed in 2007 in New York for repeatedly molesting his grandnephew.

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An annual report filed earlier this year by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops stated that the church has paid more than $2.6 billion in settlements and related expenses since 1950.

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As I repeatedly note, the Church hierarchy is morally bankrupt and Catholics need to stop underwriting these corrupt, falsely pious flim flam artists from the Vatican on down. Faith is separate from financially supporting those who ought to be behind bars.