The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has agreed a multi-million-dollar settlement with 330 people who have filed claims of sexual abuse by clergy.
Diocesan officials said on Tuesday that the $21-million (£13.4m) deal, which will need to be reviewed by a bankruptcy judge, came after three days of negotiations between the bankrupt archdiocese, victims’ lawyers and the creditors’ committee.
The deal could bring to a close a bitter four-year battle in a bankruptcy court and would allocate varying amounts to victims depending on their claims.
It would also establish a $500,000 therapy fund and protect the archdiocese’s parishes, schools and institutions from future abuse lawsuits.
The diocese filed for bankruptcy in 2011 in the face of the allegations. Last year they offered a payout of around $4m.
“This settlement represents for us in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee a new Pentecost, a day of rebirth that renews our focus on word, worship and service,” Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki said in a statement.
Under the terms of the deal, people who were abused by priests of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and those abused at an archdiocesan parish, school or institution, will be compensated, but another 150 who filed claims, such as those who cannot not identify an abuser, will receive nothing.
Lawyer Jeff Anderson, who was part of the negotiations, accused the archdiocese of playing hardball and using tactics “that have beaten down the survivors’ community”.
Above: Archbishop Listecki, pictured in 2011 announcing the archdiocese would file for bankruptcy. Photo: PA
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