Connecticut diocese settles sex abuse claims with $21 million

Published: 2003-10-17

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (CNS) -- The Diocese of Bridgeport has reached a $21 million settlement with 40 alleged clergy sex abuse victims. In announcing the settlement Oct. 16, Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport said, "As a church we are deeply sorry for the destructive behavior that has been committed." He said after meeting with many of the victims and "hearing their harrowing stories, I know in my heart that we must reach out with compassion. This settlement is the right thing to do, a way to ease the hurting and allow the healing to begin." He said the diocese would sell "undeveloped surplus property" to fund the roughly 60 percent of the settlement not covered by insurance. The settlement covers 42 lawsuits, including three by one claimant, alleging sexual abuse as minors by a total of 16 priests of the Bridgeport Diocese. A mediator is to determine how much each claimant receives.

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