The Catholic church in the U.S. territory of Guam says it will file for bankruptcy in the midst of sexual abuse lawsuits.
The Associated Press reports Archbishop Michael Byrnes made the announcement Wednesday. He said the filing will let the Archdiocese of Agaña give closure to victims of child sexual abuse.
More than 180 people have filed lawsuits alleging they were sexually abused by church leaders over a span of several decades.
Byrnes says mediation between the church and victims has resulted in bankruptcy.
The bankruptcy filing doesn't meant the archdiocese will close. It will allow the church to reorganize and pay out victim settlements.
