Duluth diocese, abuse victims agree to mediation

Duluth cathedral
Cathedral of Our Lady in Duluth, Dec. 7, 2015. The Diocese of Duluth filed for bankruptcy protection in December.
Dan Kraker | MPR News 2015

The Diocese of Duluth and victims of clergy abuse have agreed to mediation.

Explore the full investigation Clergy abuse, cover-up and crisis in the Twin Cities Catholic church

The diocese filed for bankruptcy in December, saying it needed to protect assets and pay the victims of abuse. Judge Robert Kressel encouraged the parties to work with a mediator and is expected to approve the appointment of Gregg Zive, a federal judge with experience in diocesan bankruptcy cases.

WDIO-TV reports a diocese official has testified the district has assets of more than $5 million and liabilities of more than $12 million. Mediation is expected to begin May 1 in Minneapolis if neither side objects to the appointment of Zive as mediator.

Victims have until May 25 to file sexual abuse claims in bankruptcy court.

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