The Catholic Diocese of New Jersey has agreed to pay $87.5 million (£67.04 million) to hundreds of people who were sexually abused by the church.
First, the agreement allows for lawsuits against insurance companies that cover bishops from claims of negligence.
It is one of the most significant settlements involving the Catholic Church in the United States, which has been accused of concealing decades of wrongdoing. The diocese has issued an apology.
The settlement payments will be dispersed over four years from a trust to around 300 victims of abuse, according to the diocese. It will also include kid protection provisions that are currently being worked out.
The diocese and the victims’ counsel have agreed to the deal, but it still needs to be confirmed by a judge because the diocese declared bankruptcy in 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak and abuse allegations.
However, it was “pleased that the mediation process has led to a settlement,” Bishop Dennis J Sullivan said.
“I pledge my continuing commitment to ensure that this terrible chapter in the history of the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey never happens again,” he added.
The payment was “unique” for another reason, according to Jeff Anderson, a lawyer who represents 74 of the victims. Over a dozen others were injured as a result of the incident.
According to CBS News senior investigative producer Pat Milton, James was arrested in New York’s East Village.
This new development is excellent..
