Group seeks to intervene in diocese bankruptcy

A group asserting that it represents local Catholics and parents of children in Catholic schools filed a motion Thursday seeking to intervene in the bankruptcy proceedings involving the San Diego Roman Catholic Diocese and people alleging they were sexually abused by priests.

Parishioners for Churches and Schools believes that parish assets and property should not be used to pay part of the settlement sought by claimants. Bankruptcy Judge Louise DeCarl Adler set a hearing for Sept. 6 on the issue of whether to grant intervenor status.

The diocese filed for bankruptcy in February in the face of damage lawsuits filed by more than 150 people alleging they were sexually abused by clergy.