An attorney who filed 13 lawsuits against the Diocese of Gallup, N.M., on behalf of alleged victims of clerical sexual abuse said the disclosure of church records will be an essential part of any settlement in the diocese’s chapter 11 case, the Albuquerque Journal reported today. Robert Pastor, a Phoenix attorney, said claimants and their attorneys in the case are adamant that the diocese must release church records, including the personnel files of accused priests. Attorneys working toward a settlement told Bankruptcy Judge David Thuma last week that they intend to file a reorganization plan with the court later this month. The Diocese of Gallup in 2013 became the nation’s ninth Roman Catholic diocese to file for chapter 11 protection in response to civil lawsuits filed by alleged victims of clerical sex abuse.
