God doesn’t shield devotees from bankruptcy, as The Irish Christian Brothers of Chicago have filed for Chapter 11 reorganization protection, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. In bankruptcy, according to the Sun-Times the Brothers, who “founded Brother Rice and Leo high schools in Chicago and St. Laurence High School in Burbank are trying to cap damagers from allegations some members of their order molested the children they taught.” 
Because of the filing, August 1 will be the last date that anyone can file sex abuse claims against any members of the order. The Irish Christian Brothers is just one of the many Catholic entities nationwide that has been accused of sexual abusing of its charges in recent years. According to one victim’s attorney, the “Christian Brothers leaders in Illinois have a documented history of transferring abusive brothers among schools to protect their reputation and minimize liability.” It seems now that the group is using bankruptcy to do the same.
The Chicago-based group isn’t the first Christian group to file bankruptcy—in April 2011, the Christian Brothers filed for bankruptcy in a New York court “and set a deadline for claims to be filed by abuse victims,” according to The Telegram. Geoff Budden, an attorney for victims of abuse by the Christian Brothers told The Telegram that he was “optimistic that the bankruptcy will, as it unfolds, deliver compensation to our clients.” No doubt victims of the Irish Christian Brothers are hoping for the same.
If you are affected by the bankruptcy of an entity such as this—or considering bankruptcy for yourself—don’t go through it alone. Contact a dedicated Illinois bankruptcy attorney today.
Image courtesy of luigi diamanti