Montana Catholic Diocese Files For Chapter 11 Protection To Implement $17.5M Settlement of Abuse Cases

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, Montana filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization on Friday, according to NBC News. The filing comes in anticipation of a $15 million settlement for 362 victims of clergy abuse who have sued claiming that the diocese knew or should have known of the abuse that took place from the 1940's to the 1980's. Another $2.5 million will be set aside for victims who have not yet come forward. Most of the settlement will be funded by insurance carriers, but the diocese will pay at least $2.5 million additionally. The diocese covers 21 counties and parts of two others in western and north central Montana.