Summary
A New Jersey Catholic diocese outside Philadelphia has agreed to pay $180 million in a settlement over clergy sexual abuse, following years of resistance and eventually relenting after a state grand jury investigation. This settlement comes amid the ongoing church scandal that began decades ago. Previously, the Los Angeles Archdiocese reached an agreement for a total payout exceeding $1.5 billion to victims, who had previously received more than $740 million from the archdiocese. The New Orleans Archdiocese settled on at least $230 million for survivors of clergy abuse after lifting of the statute of limitations in 2019. The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego also agreed to pay out nearly $198 million to settle more than 140 cases of sexual abuse. The Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus reached a settlement with Native Americans and Alaska Natives, agreeing to pay $50 million in another case involving Alaska. In Orange County, California, a $100 million settlement was agreed for victims of sexual abuse from priests. Portland’s archdiocese filed bankruptcy due to more than 400 abuse cases, eventually settling over 300 claims and totaling nearly $90 million. The Boston Archdiocese settled 500 clergy sex abuse lawsuits in 2003 with a $85 million payout. Covington Diocese in Kentucky paid out $81 million to more than 200 victims of abuse in 2006, following the lifting of the statute of limitations. These settlements are part of larger efforts by Catholic organizations across the United States to address past abuses and provide compensation to survivors.
Key Topics
Vatican City, Diocese, Settlement
