NEW ULM – The Diocese of New Ulm has received 98 claims from victims of clerical sex abuse during the three-year window of opportunity provided by state law.

When the deadline for filing complaints ended Wednesday, the diocese announced the total. Twenty-eight of the diocese’s 75 parishes were named in the lawsuits, which involve 15 priests.

In March, the Diocese released the names of 16 priests credibly accused of sexually abusing children. Since then three more complaints were filed naming three more priests who are no longer in ministry.

A press release from the diocese said the diocese “is considering all options for fairly resolving the claims made against it, including reorganization under the bankruptcy laws. However, diocesan leaders do not foresee any imminent decision in this regard.”

“The diocese is committed to helping victims and survivors in healing and protecting children and young people from abuse,” said Bishop John LeVoir, Bishop of the New Ulm Diocese. “I apologize on behalf of the Church to victims and survivors of sexual abuse by priests.”

The diocese said it is continuing to work closely with the Jeff Anderson & Associates law firm and others to resolve the complaints, “taking the time necessary, working together, to come to a fair resolution of claims that allows the work of the Church to continue while promoting healing.”

The diocese encourages anyone who has suffered sexual abuse or exploitation by a priest or anyone else in Church ministry in the diocese to report such misconduct to local law enforcement, regardless of when it occurred.

It also encourages victims to contact the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at 1421 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073 or 507-233-5313 for counseling or other assistance in healing.