Spokane diocese to sell headquarters - UPI

From the United Press International:

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane in western Washington, facing $200 million in sex abuse claims, plans to sell its headquarters and other property.

Officials hope to realize $11 million from the sale, The New York Times reports.

Spokane is one of three dioceses -- along with Portland, Ore., and Tucson -- that have declared bankruptcy.

The Rev. John Coughlin, a law professor at Notre Dame University, said selling the headquarters building is a symbolic step for the diocese.

"The diocese doesn't need the physical building to exist," he said. "But the sale shows that the effects of the sex abuse crisis are serious, for this and other dioceses as well."

The diocese could face even more difficult choices. A federal bankruptcy judge has ruled that parish property and Catholic schools within its borders are the property of the diocese and could be sold to settle claims. [source]