Canadian diocese offers settlement to sexual abuse victims

Published: 2005-05-10

OTTAWA (CNS) -- A Canadian bishop said he is prepared to sell all of the diocese's 150 properties in order to settle a 16-year lawsuit with sexual abuse victims. Bishop Douglas Crosby of St. George's in Newfoundland said the church will sell its churches and missions to come up with the $13 million (US$10.5 million) for the victims of Father Kevin Bennett, Canadian Press reported. "Our hands are open," Bishop Crosby said in a May 6 statement. "We have offered everything we have. The future of this diocese and our ministry is now in the hands of those who have suffered the most. "If we must go bankrupt, then we will do so, accepting our share in their suffering," he said. Canadian Press also reported that Greg Stack, who represents 37 of 39 victims, said he expected they would accept the offer when they vote May 25. "The amount of the settlement is almost secondary," Stack told Canadian Press. "It's been 16 years since this court action was started. I mean, they're just happy that it's over."

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