Jackson Diocese agrees to pay $5.1 million to 19 sex abuse victims

Published: 2006-03-20

JACKSON, Miss. (CNS) -- The Diocese of Jackson has agreed to pay more than $5.1 million to 19 victims of sex abuse by priests during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. "I sincerely hope that this settlement will bring a sense of peace to all those who have suffered as a result of the acts of a few," said Bishop Joseph N. Latino of Jackson in a statement. "On behalf of the entire church, I apologize from the depths of my heart to all of you for the pain, grief and shame that have been brought about by these actions," he added. "I pray that we will be able to reconcile and heal the deep, deep hurts of the past and move forward together to a future of hope." The settlement, announced March 16, will be funded primarily by the diocese's insurers, with diocesan funds of $731,250 used to cover the balance. The settled cases include a $48 million lawsuit by Kenneth, Thomas and Francis Morrison and their mother, Dorothy. Fourteen men and two women, all of whom remained anonymous, also agreed to the settlement.

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