A federal bankruptcy court judge again has extended the deadline for the Diocese of Norwich to submit a bankruptcy plan, so creditors, including 140 people who say they were sexually assaulted by priests, can meet with a mediator and resolve a number of contentious issues, The Day reported. Judge James Tancredi on Monday ordered that the Roman Catholic diocese's exclusive filing period for the plan be extended until Sept. 30. It was the fourth extension for the diocese. In April, Tancredi had extended the deadline to June 15, again to give the parties more time to negotiate an agreement. The diocese filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy 11 months ago as it faced more than 60 lawsuits filed by men who say they were sexually assaulted as boys by Christian Brothers and other staff at the diocese-run Mount Saint John Academy, a school for troubled boys in Deep River, from 1990 to 2002. Since then 80 additional people, whose sexual assault allegations involved not only the school but diocesan churches, have filed claims in the bankruptcy case. In addition, various other creditors are seeking a portion of the diocese's assets.
