Guam's Catholic Church will file for bankruptcy, in a rush to resolve settlements with alleged victims of child sexual abuse by priests.
Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Guam Photo: 123rf
The Associated Press reported that mediation efforts that began in September led the church to bankruptcy.
The move is expected to help resolve current lawsuits from more than 180 calims of abuse by avoiding potentially lengthy trials.
Guam attorney Anthony Perez said the bankruptcy filing will stop any further legal action and victims who have not already come forward need to do so now.
He said the church will not be closed and it will reorganise after the claims are paid and the bankruptcy closed.