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Roman Catholic Diocese in NYC Suburbs Becomes Largest in US to Seek
Bankruptcy

VOA News

   A Roman Catholic diocese in the New York City suburbs on Thursday
   became the largest in the nation to declare bankruptcy in the face of
   more than 200 lawsuits over sexual abuse allegations.

   Bishop John O. Barres of the Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long Island
   posted a video message saying the church was unable "to carry out its
   spiritual, charitable and education missions" because of "the
   increasing burden of litigation expenses," after New York lawmakers
   passed the Child Victims Act, which lifted the statute of limitations
   for childhood sexual abuse accusations.

   In its filing, the diocese listed up to $500 million in estimated
   liabilities from the lawsuits.

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