December 30, 2005

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Statement of the Archdiocese of Portland Court Rulings

We are very disappointed that the Court ruled that under bankruptcy law the interests of the parishes in their own property can be eliminated. We believe that this ruling will not stand up under eventual review by higher courts. The Court was and is faced with many difficult issues in a case which itself is complex and unprecedented.  However, we feel strongly that this decision is not supported by the facts or the law, and believe it infringes on Archdiocese's right and the parishioners’ rights to freely exercise their religion. We will review our options to appeal and evaluate the impact of this ruling on this litigation and other aspects of the bankruptcy case.

Throughout the bankruptcy proceedings, the focus of the Archdiocese has always been on settling and paying valid claims. The Archdiocese has and will continue to resolve claims fairly, justly and equitably, and will defend against those claims that are not valid. The Archdiocese has filed a plan of reorganization that proposes to accomplish both of these objectives.

The Archdiocese is committed to continuing its religious and charitable mission to Catholics and others, including thousands of schoolchildren, its parishioners, and the poor and dispossessed, as it has for its 157-year history in Oregon, no matter what obstacles confront it.