The Spokesman Review reported today that the Catholic Diocese of Spokane is one step closer to resolving the sexual abuse claims and avoiding foreclosures of churches and schools.

According to the article, "A three-page letter written by Bishop Blase Cupich and distributed to parishioners on Sunday sought to assure churchgoers that the threat of foreclosure had passed. The $1.5 million was far less than initially feared to clear up lingering bankruptcy issues – most notably more than two dozen unresolved claims filed by former Morning Star Boys’ Ranch residents who said they were abused."

Cupich said he will now review the accusations of abuse against Morning Star’s longtime director, the Rev. Joseph Weitensteiner. Weitensteiner has denied the claims and has not formally withdrawn from ministry.