Most Boston clergy sex abuse victims agree to settle

Published: 2003-10-21

BOSTON (CNS) -- The Boston Archdiocese's record $85 million offer to settle claims of clergy sexual abuse took hold Oct. 20. Attorneys announced that the required 80 percent -- at least 442 of the 552 plaintiffs eligible to participate -- had signed on. More were expected to join by the Oct. 23 deadline. Under the agreement, a mediator will hear each victim's case and set an award ranging from $80,000 to $300,000, depending on the severity, duration and kind of abuse. A flat payment of $20,000 will go to the relatives of victims who have sued for loss of consortium -- a legal term for the loss of family companionship or support because of the damage to the victim. Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley of Boston, who was in Rome for the beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, said through his archdiocesan spokesman that he hoped the settlement would help bring "healing, reconciliation and peace" to the victims. The spokesman, Father Christopher J. Coyne, said archdiocesan attorneys were informed Oct. 20 that the number of signatories had crossed the 80 percent threshold set as a condition for the global settlement to take effect.

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