St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese Files for Bankruptcy

ST. PAUL (AP) - The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has filed for bankruptcy, saying it's is the best way to fairly get as many resources as possible to victims of alleged clergy sexual abuse.

Attorneys for the archdiocese filed their petition Friday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Church officials have said bankruptcy was an option as the archdiocese faces lawsuits from victims of past sexual abuse. Roughly two dozen lawsuits have been filed, and the archdiocese has received more than 100 notices of potential claims.

The St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese is the 12th U.S. diocese to seek bankruptcy protection in the face of sex abuse claims.

In an interview in advance of Friday's filing, the Rev. Charles Lachowitzer told The Associated Press that the reorganization was the right thing to do.