Bankruptcy Judge Orders Archdiocese into Mediation

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A bankruptcy court judge has ordered the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to try to reach a settlement with attorneys for victims of clergy sexual abuse.

The archdiocese filed for Chapter 11 protection last week, saying reorganization is the best way to put victims first while continuing the church's mission.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Kressel ordered the case into mediation on Tuesday. He said it would be the most efficient way to settle the bankruptcy.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan will oversee the mediation, where the archdiocese will try to settle with its insurers and victims.

Attorneys for the archdiocese and victims both praised the move, saying it's likely to bring a quicker resolution.