By Darren Eultgen, Chancellor
Q: What is happening?
A: The Diocese of Great Falls-Billings has taken a major step toward bringing resolution to 72 current claims of abuse of minors by diocesan priests, religious community priests, women religious and lay workers who have served in the diocese.
On March 31, 2017, the Diocese filed a Chapter 11 Reorganization case before the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana to fulfill a pre-bankruptcy understanding with known abuse survivors and the Diocese’s liability insurance carrier.
The bottom-line: Reorganization provides the Diocese with a neutral process to fairly and permanently resolve claims with victims and survivors while continuing to carry out the mission and ministry of the Catholic Church in Eastern Montana.
Q: Why is the Diocese filing now?
A: As of the date I am writing this, the Diocese is facing a total of 72 complaints resulting from claims filed in two separate lawsuits. The dates of the alleged abuse range anywhere from the 1940’s to the 1990’s. The first two cases were set to go to trial this July in Great Falls. After prayerful and careful review, Bishop Warfel, along with leadership at the Chancery, Diocesan Attorneys and our insurance carrier, determined that filing for reorganization was the best way to fairly resolve those claims. The Priest Council have been regularly given legal updates throughout the process. Bishop Warfel and our attorneys met with the priests of the diocese in January in Billings and held a conference call for all the priests of the diocese just prior to the Chapter 11 filing to make sure they were informed and had a chance to ask questions.
In March the Diocese began confidential mediation with those representing the claimants. The goal of the bankruptcy process will be to resume mediation after the total number of claims are known, with the further goal of reaching a comprehensive settlement agreement that will be approved under the Bankruptcy Court process.
Q: What does this filing mean for victims and survivors of sexual abuse as minors by clergy in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings?
A: Reorganization under Chapter 11 means the court will supervise a process to fairly resolve claims with victims and survivors and provide equitable compensation.
Q: What does this filing mean for my parish?
A: The lawsuits were against the Roman Catholic Bishop of Great Falls. The normal operations of parishes and schools will continue as always.
Q: With what assets will the Diocese pay creditors?
A: The Diocese of Great Falls-Billings (Roman Catholic Bishop of Great Falls) is listing all its assets in documents filed with the Bankruptcy Court. Those assets include investments, real estate, and other property that belongs to the Roman Catholic Bishop. The Diocese is also working with its insurers to resolve the claims.
Q: What about my donations to the Care and Share, will that money go to settle claims?
A: As stated in the Care and Share materials, donations to Care and Share are used to fund the ongoing ministry of the Bishop and Chancery throughout Eastern Montana. The Diocese has every expectation that donations will be used as designated.
Q: How will this filing affect ministry in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings?
A: We do not expect that this filing will affect core diocesan ministry. We expect that operations will continue without interruption as we work towards a fair resolution with all those involved.
Q: Has the Bishop or Diocese issued a public apology to victims and survivors?
A: Yes. On behalf of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, Bishop Michael Warfel has apologized publicly to victims and survivors and continues to do so both publicly and privately. “On behalf of the entire Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, I express my profound sorrow and sincere apologies to anyone who was abused by a priest, a sister, or a lay Church worker,” said Bishop, Warfel. “No child should experience harm from anyone who serves in the Church.” Bishop Warfel also indicated: “I want to assure you that none of those who have been credibly accused remain active in parish ministry at this time. In fact, nearly all of those accused are deceased.”
Q: If someone was sexually abused as a minor and wishes to come forward, what should he or she do?
A: For over two decades, the diocese has had abuse prevention programs in place, including screening and training for employees, volunteers, priests and seminarians. The diocese has an independent board to review claims of abuse, whose members include several parents, a judge, two former law enforcement officers, a social worker, and a counselor. Anyone wishing to report sexual abuse of a minor may contact the Victim’s Advocate for the diocese at (406) 750-2373 or victimassistancecoord@gmail.com.
Q: How will the survivors’ claims be handled in a bankruptcy?
A: In the relatively near future, we anticipate that the Court will set a “bar date” which will be a deadline for filing any claims for sexual abuse that occurred before the filing of the bankruptcy. The parishes will be part of the process of giving notice to potential claimants, and similar notices of the deadline date will be in local and regional newspapers and other media outlets. The notice will provide all the information someone would need to file a claim.
Q: What if I have additional questions?
A: Please call the Office of the Chancellor at (406) 727-6683 or chancellor@diocesegfb.org
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