Archdiocese Considering Bankruptcy

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is reporting a $9.1 million operating deficit for fiscal year 2014, and says in its newspaper that it's considering filing for bankruptcy.

The archdiocese says the deficit can be partly attributed to $4.1 million it spent to address allegations of clergy sexual abuse. That money includes the cost of an extensive review of priest files.

Chief Financial Officer Thomas Mertens says in Thursday's edition of The Catholic Spirit that the archdiocese's financial condition has become more uncertain due to potential liability from lawsuits. It's unknown how many more may be filed before the three-year window to pursue abuse claims expires.

He says the archdiocese hasn't decided if it will seek reorganization, but it could be a way to distribute funds fairly to victims.