Diocese reaches tentative agreement with 46 alleged abuse victims

Published: 2004-07-23

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- The Springfield Diocese reached a tentative agreement July 22 with 46 individuals who say that they were sexually abused by five diocesan priests. According to a memorandum of understanding, the diocese has offered a global amount of $7 million, plus the proceeds from the eventual sale of two diocesan properties, to a pool that would settle claims by the clients of attorney John Stobierski. The agreement also guarantees lifetime, outside counseling to those bringing accusations, and access to other outreach services provided through the diocese. Springfield Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell said he was "deeply grateful for the good will and intense effort of all parties involved in the process." Those covered by the agreement, which was modeled after a settlement reached last year in the Archdiocese of Boston, have 14 days to opt in or out of a binding arbitration process. For every accuser opting out of the process, the size of the settlement pool would be reduced proportionately.

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