The Diocese of Gallup plans to petition for Chapter 11 reorganization in federal bankruptcy court because of mounting legal claims over sexual abuse by clergy members. In a statement read in parishes during Mass over the weekend, Bishop James Wall said the filing “is the most effective and thoughtful course to take in light of the claims from those who were abused.” The diocese includes parishes in six counties in New Mexico, three counties in Arizona and seven American Indian reservations. It will become the ninth Roman Catholic diocese to seek bankruptcy protection since the abuse scandal erupted in 2002.