ROCHESTER, Minn. — The Diocese of Winona-Rochester acknowledged being named in new lawsuits in the so-called Choir Boy Scandals that crippled American Catholicism in the 2000s. A spokesperson for the Winona-Rochester Diocese, Vicar General William Thompson said that the new suits stem from insurance issues. The financial obligations of the Diocese have been satisfied fully, Thompson said. About specifics of the new litigation Thompson declined comment. “While the Diocese cannot comment on the facts related to this matter, we pray for a just resolution for all of those involved. The Diocese remains steadfast in its commitment to healing and justice for all survivors.”
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Thompson: “Three legal claims against the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and three other entities of the Diocese have been filed in Olmstead and Winona County District Courts. These filings were known and anticipated by the parties and stem from insurance issues that were addressed in the bankruptcy of the Diocese.” He restated factual background: A federal bankruptcy court confirmed a financial reorganization for the Diocese in 2021. The plan provided for a trust fund to compensate survivors of sexual abuse. The Trust was funded with $22 million of Diocesan assets, and insurance coverage settlements of $6.5 million.
Thompson. Church spokesperson.