UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) — A Prince George’s County church led by Maryland Sen. C. Anthony Muse has filed for bankruptcy protection.

The Washington Post  reports that the Ark of Safety Christian Church in Upper Marlboro made the move this month due to an inability to keep up with mortgage payments and other debts. Muse, whose title at his church is bishop, says the church’s 2,000 members are facing financial challenges, which has strained the church’s resources.

Muse characterized the filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Greenbelt as “simply reorganizing and restructuring our debt” and says the church is strong and growing. The filing lists nearly $1.8 million in debts owed to the church’s largest 20 creditors.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)