Judge approves $48 million sex abuse settlement in Spokane

Published: 2007-04-25

SPOKANE, Wash. (CNS) -- U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Patricia Williams April 24 confirmed a reorganization plan under which the Spokane Diocese will pay childhood victims of clergy sexual abuse and their lawyers $48 million. "Today's decision by Judge Williams marks the end of a tragic chapter in our history," Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane said at an afternoon press conference announcing the decision. He used the occasion to apologize again to the abuse victims. "Individuals used their positions of authority and trust to damage the least among us. It was shameful, and it was wrong," he said. All parties to the diocese's bankruptcy proceedings had agreed to the reorganization plan before Williams confirmed it. Of the $48 million, $40 million is to be used to compensate victims, $7 million is for the professional fees of attorneys and accountants, and up to $1 million is for expenses incurred in determining the claims. Of the $40 million, $39 million is to go to victims who made claims before or during the bankruptcy proceedings; $1 million will be set aside for possible future claims.

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