The Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week, the fourth diocese in the US to seek financial protection to deal with priest sex abuse cases.

Bishop William Franklin said the diocese was left with no other alternative to settle more than two dozen claims against priests accused of sexual abuse of children. He said the move would ensure the financial health of the church.

"While providing just and fair compensation to victims and survivors, we also believe that the decision to reorganise is the best way in which we will be able to continue the church's mission,'' Franklin wrote in a letter to members posted on the diocese website.

Since 2004, the diocese has paid more than $10.5 million to resolve dozens of claims filed against priests, including a $9 million settlement reached with 37 victims in fall 2004. Since then, the diocese or former priests under its supervision have been held liable by juries in civil trials.