July 1, 2005
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org
Archbishop updates parishioners on the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy proceedings
In a letter to be distributed in parishes this Sunday, and printed in the Catholic Sentinel on Friday, July 1, Archbishop John G. Vlazny updates parishioners on some of the major issues in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
Archbishop expresses his gratitude for parishioners “tremendous cooperation in these trying times.” Archbishop specifically thanks parishioners for their “constant prayers” and “continued financial support of your parish and of the Annual Catholic Appeal.” This support has allowed the Church in Western Oregon to “continue the mission of the Church, a mission which in Christ we all share.”
Archbishop Vlazny notes that “One of the primary reasons we declared bankruptcy was to ensure that people with legitimate legal claims against the Archdiocese could be fairly compensated.” He provides updates on pending claims, on the new claims which were filed during the recent notification program and future claims.
Archbishop provides an update in the litigation brought by the Archdiocese against a number of insurance companies for failing to meet their contractual obligations. The Archdiocese is seeking to recover approximately $21 million the Archdiocese believes the insurers were obligated to pay for claims that were settled prior to the bankruptcy case.
Finally, Archbishop addresses the matter of parish funds and property.
Archbishop states, “We have steadfastly maintained that parish property
and parish money belong to the individual parishes and are not available
to pay creditors of the Archdiocese.”
A complete copy of Archbishop Vlazny’s
letter follows.
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Archbishop Vlazny's letter (Adobe pdf format)
Click Here
Archibshop Vlaznyn's letter in Spanish (Adobe pdf format)
Click Here