Statement and Letter from Bishop Mark Seitz on Chapter 11 Reorganization
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Peace be with you!
For years now, the Catholic Church in the United States has felt the effects from the horrible tragedy of clergy sexual abuse of minors. The impact of this tragedy affects us today in our Diocese of El Paso, with 18 pending lawsuits against the diocese for alleged sexual abuse of minors occurring between 1956-1982 in southern New Mexico, long before society or the Church was aware of the presence and extent of child abuse taking place within its institutions. It was also long before the Diocese implemented the strong child protection policies and practices that exist today to guard against these crimes.
After consultation with my priest consultors, diocesan advisors, and after my own prayerful consideration, I have directed attorneys for the Diocese of El Paso to file a petition for a Chapter 11 reorganization of its financial affairs under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. I determined Chapter 11 reorganization was the most prudent course of action because there are now financial claims pending against the diocese that exceed our means. In taking this action, we have two goals: to equitably compensate those who have been harmed, and to carry on the essential ministries of the Church in our diocese so we can continue to meet the needs of all who rely upon the Church. This court filing is on behalf of the entity known as the Diocese of El Paso and will not include your parishes or schools, which are separately incorporated, or any other incorporated entity such as the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of El Paso.
The Diocese of El Paso’s financial resources are very limited. Chapter 11 reorganization will allow the Diocese of El Paso to use its available resources to compensate abuse survivors in a single process overseen by a court, that seeks to treat all equitably. By serving as a final call for legal claims against the diocese, the proceeding will allow the Diocese of El Paso to move forward on stable financial ground.
The Diocese of El Paso is committed to maintaining a safe environment where every person is protected as a valued member of our Catholic communities. We will also maintain open lines of communication to abuse survivors as an ongoing ministry of the Church and we will remain vigilant in upholding the policies and practices that have been implemented to keep children safe.
Some of you may feel disheartened or frustrated by this development. Some may feel anger or resentment at the allegations that some who were called to serve children and the vulnerable abused them instead. Believe me when I say I have experienced the same emotions. Many times I have asked myself how these things could have been done by people who publicly committed to care for God's people. As your bishop, I apologize to abuse survivors for the harm, pain and suffering they experienced and continue to experience in their lives. It is my prayer that through this process we can reconcile with each other and walk together towards the loving presence of Jesus Christ in our midst.
I am committed to share information with you in an open, candid and straightforward way. Although this will be a difficult journey, what inspires me is the continued vitality of the faith within the Diocese of El Paso and the recognition that the Church is far more than the frail human beings that make it up. We will continue to serve the Lord with all our hearts through whatever trials may come.
I will continue to pray for the Church in El Paso. We will move forward, not forgetting our past, but addressing it and taking appropriate responsibility for those who were harmed. Let us place our trust in God, who is our strength and our hope, and who is with us always.
With faith in Jesus Christ, who makes all things new, I am,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+MJS
Comments