Illinois diocese settles with 28 abuse victims for $3 million

Published: 2004-02-06

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In a three-day mediation session Jan. 29-31, the Diocese of Springfield, Ill., settled the claims of 28 clergy sexual abuse victims and family members for $3 million. New lawsuits alleging abuse were filed there and in other dioceses, however. Included in the Springfield settlement were several individuals who had never filed lawsuits and several whose lawsuits had been previously dismissed by courts, as well as individuals with pending lawsuits. Bishop George J. Lucas of Springfield addressed the claimants during the mediation, apologizing to them and expressing hopes that a settlement would promote healing. "It is never our preference to be in an adversarial relationship in court with any person who has been hurt by someone in the church," he told the diocesan newspaper, the Catholic Times.

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