The Diocese of Duluth, Minn., is expected to enter mediation this summer with representatives of dozens of alleged victims of child sexual abuse, as the parties seek to reach an amicable agreement in the diocese's ongoing bankruptcy case, the Duluth News Tribune reported today. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Kressel approved a motion to appoint Judge Gregg Zive as a mediator to work with the diocese, its insurers and attorneys representing claimants. Judge Zive was mutually recommended by the diocese and St. Paul-based Jeff Anderson and Associates, the law firm representing most of its creditors. Judge Kressel said that Judge Zive is not expected to be available until June, which places the likely start date after the May 25 deadline for abuse victims to file claims in bankruptcy court.
