Bishop: Canadian diocese pays settlement, but sues insurance carriers

Published: 2006-06-22

TORONTO (CNS) -- A Newfoundland diocese is on track to pay a $13 million (US$11.6 million) settlement to victims of clergy sexual abuse, although money from its insurance companies has not yet come through, said Bishop Douglas Crosby of St. George's. "If they (the insurance companies) don't come through, we're still bound by the agreement, and we still have to make the payments," said Bishop Crosby. The diocese filed a suit with the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador June 7, seeking payment from six insurance companies, which have so far refused to provide any part of the compensation other than the legal costs. Bishop Crosby said regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit with the insurance companies, the diocese is committed to fulfilling all the terms of the settlement.

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