OGDENSBURG, N.Y. (AP) — The Roman Catholic parish of Ogdensburg in upstate New York announced Monday that it will file for bankruptcy protection after facing more than 100 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse.
The diocese, like other parishes in the state, has imposed a statute of limitations to give New York City the right to pursue child abuse victims against decades-old allegations against clergy, teachers and Boy Scout leaders. We are working on a lawsuit that goes back to the temporary suspension. .
Bishop Terry R. Lavalle of Ogdensburg said 124 lawsuits were pending against the diocese, with allegations dating from the 1940s to the 1990s.
Ogdensburg is the sixth of eight New York dioceses to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the list also includes dioceses based in Buffalo, Rochester and Rockville Center on Long Island. .
Ogdensburg is sprawling but mostly rural, with 81 parishes, the fewest of any parish in the state.
Parish officials said the purpose of the lawsuit was to resolve the lawsuit fairly and equitably while maintaining the mission of service.
In a prepared statement, Mr. Lavalle said, “The rehab petition does not bar the survivors’ claims.” “Instead, we will establish a process to ensure that all allegations are treated fairly.”
Attorneys for the survivors said the parish put its own interests ahead of responsibility.
“By declaring bankruptcy, the parish is deliberately sabotaging a long-awaited opportunity for survivors to speak out, to be heard and acknowledged,” attorney Cynthia LaFave prepares. said in a statement.
