The leader of an alleged religious community, who this blog has previously reported on, recently answered questions regarding his former abbey's assets. The creditors' meeting was part of ongoing bankruptcy proceedings in Illinois, where creditors could ask the debtor about the status of his finances, including real estate and bank accounts.

At Friday's meeting, creditors were also interested in the man's personal identity. The bankruptcy trustee noted that the name that the man uses now is not the same as the name given on his bankruptcy petition in Illinois. His Illinois driver's license has a third name. His birth certificate allegedly has another name.

The man claims that the Catholic Church changed his name for his protection after sexual abuse in the 1970s. His story has changed over the years regarding the time and extent of the abuse.

He also claims to have been adopted by one of the members of his religious community two years ago. He provided his driver's license as proof, but no further proof could be provided because adoption records are sealed in Illinois.

Also present at the meeting was the attorney of a former religious follower who is pursuing a civil lawsuit. She was awarded a summary judgment of $161,000 in 2011 for loans.

In addition, the man's attorney asked to withdraw from the case just hours before the meeting. He was present at the meeting but did not represent his former client. He alleges in his petition that his former client was uncooperative and provided false information.

The bankruptcy court in Illinois has given the man 21 days to find a new lawyer. A second session has been scheduled for Feb. 10. If one wants to make the bankruptcy process go as smoothly as possible, they should cooperate with the trustee and their attorneys.

Source: The Globe Gazette, "Bankruptcy trustees, attorney grill abbey's leader," Dennis Magee, Jan. 16, 2012