A federal judge has ruled that employees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gallup can continue to be paid and receive benefits during bankruptcy protection proceedings.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that a Bankruptcy Court judge issued the order Friday during a hearing on the diocese's filing last week for Chapter 11 reorganization.
The diocese had announced in September that it planned to file in bankruptcy court because of mounting claims of clergy sex abuse.
The diocese includes parishes in six counties in New Mexico, three counties in Arizona and seven American Indian reservations.
Diocese attorney Susan Boswell says 105 people have been identified who may file claims in the case.
Claimants attorney James Stang says fairness, justice and healing are issues in the case along with money.
Information from: Albuquerque Journal.
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