Text: Boston archdiocese statement on abuse settlement
Source: Boston Archdiocese
The following statement was issued by the Boston Archdiocese yesterday, concerning an agreement to settle hundreds of clergy sex abuse lawsuits for 85 million dollars:
''The Archdiocese of Boston wishes to announce that an agreement in principle has been reached with the steering committee representing the lawyers for the plaintiffs in the cases against the Archdiocese and other defendants in the matter of clergy sexual abuse against minors. We are pleased that the parties involved were able to arrive at what we feel is a just and equitable settlement offer to the plaintiffs and their families. At this point, the lawyers on the steering committee have agreed to present a memorandum of understanding to the attorneys representing the other plaintiffs, and then all plaintiffs' counsel will present the offer to their clients for their consideration. Our hope is that the survivors involved will be able to accept the terms of the offer so as to bring this part of the matter to a close.
''Obviously, there is much more that needs to be done to bring about the healing and reconciliation necessary for the survivors of clergy sexual abuse. That is why the settlement also includes elements other than financial compensation, such as the continuance of the archdiocesan program to provide counselling to survivors of sexual abuse by clergy. Beyond this, the Archdiocese is committed to doing everything humanly possible to make sure that this never occurs again. Our prayer is that this may, with the help of God, become a reality and that we may all learn from what has happened and continue to work to reach out to heal this deep wound in the Body of Christ."