Spokane, Wash., Oct 11, 2005 / 22:00 pm
The Diocese of Spokane intends to sell its headquarters and the home of Bishop William Skylstad to settle sexual-abuse claims, according to a plan filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Monday.
Bishop Skylstad reportedly issued a statement from Rome this week, saying the plan deals justly with the claims of clergy sex abuse, while allowing the diocese to continue its ministry.
The issue of who owns parishes, schools and other Catholic property in the diocese and whether they can be sold to settle these claims has not been unresolved. The plan reportedly carries few specifics on the amount of money that would be available for victims.