The Catholic order that is affiliated with Gonzaga University has emerged from bankruptcy after huge amounts of priest sex abuse lawsuits forced them to declare Chapter 11 two years ago.
Jesuits emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy
by KREM.com
NWCN.com
SPOKANE-- The Catholic order that is affiliated with Gonzaga University has emerged from bankruptcy after huge amounts of priest sex abuse lawsuits forced them to declare Chapter 11 two years ago.
The Jesuits of the Oregon Province filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Portland in 2009.
On Wednesday U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Elizabeth Perris confirmed the written reorganization plan for the Society of Jesus, Oregon Province allowing the Province to emerge from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.
Earlier this year the Jesuits agreed to pay $166 million to settle the claims of hundreds of victims of clergy sexual abuse. The claims spanned from the 1950s to the 1980s and include victims across a five-state region, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska.
In a public statement Rev. Patrick Lee, S.J., Provincial Superior, Society of Jesus, Oregon Province stated, “I want to express our most sincere sorrow and apology for the pain and hurt caused by our men who did not live up to their vows. It has been a sad period of time for all involved. My prayer is for all who are hurting to begin healing; to find forgiveness; and to achieve the peace of heart and mind that they deserve.”
The Jesuits are a completely separate organization from Gonzaga University, but remain affiliated with it. Gonzaga was separately incorporated and registered with the Secretary of State in Washington in 1894. The bankruptcy did not directly affect the school.
Gonzaga Prep High School, the large Catholic Jesuit affiliated high school in Spokane, is also a separate organization from the Jesuits.
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