Federal appeals judges question Milwaukee archdiocese's claims about cemetery trust fund

 

Federal appeals court judges on Monday questioned the bankrupt Archdiocese of Milwaukee's claim that it needs all the money in a $55 million trust fund to maintain its cemeteries and asked whether some could be used to compensate victims of clergy sexual abuse without violating the Catholic faith.

The three judges grilled attorneys in a dispute over a cemetery trust fund created by New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan when he was archbishop of Milwaukee. A federal judge in Milwaukee previously ruled the money was off-limits to the hundreds of sexual abuse victims who have filed claims against the archdiocese in bankruptcy court.

The lawsuit has potentially far-reaching consequences because many Catholic dioceses hold money in trust. A victory for victims in Milwaukee could pave the way for others elsewhere.

….The appeals court's decision in this case will affect about 85 other victims who also filed bankruptcy claims after signing settlements. It could be weeks or months before the judges issue opinions in the two cases.

Click on the following to read all of the story: Federal appeals judges question Milwaukee archdiocese's claims about cemetery trust fund