The Roman Catholic Diocese for eastern Montana has filed a motion seeking dismissal of its bankruptcy case as it tries to settle claims from people who say that they were sexually abused as children by diocese priests, nuns or other church employees, the Associated Press reported. The Diocese of Great Falls-Billings filed for bankruptcy protection last year in an effort to negotiate a financial settlement, but those talks have reached an impasse. The diocese's court filing on Tuesday says that the two sides are a substantial distance apart and the ongoing legal costs are draining resources available for a possible settlement. Attorneys for the 82 claimants argue the assets of 14 the diocese's 50 parishes should be available to settle claims. The diocese counters that those funds are being held in trust on behalf of the parishes and should not be part of any settlement.
