The Diocese of Ogdensburg, New York, will pay out $45 million to abuse victims, part of a yearslong bankruptcy process that began after dozens of sex abuse cases were filed against it. <\/p>\n
The diocese said in a May 19 statement that the diocesan administration, along with \u201cparishes, schools, and other Catholic entities,\u201d would contribute into the settlement, which would be organized as a \u201csurvivor trust.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cOnce the plan is confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court, the $45 million contributed to the survivor trust … will be available for distribution to survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated against them by clergy, religious, lay employees, and volunteers,\u201d the diocese said. <\/p>\n
Ogdensburg Bishop Terry LaValley prayed that the settlement \u201cwill bring peace and healing to all survivors and to all the faithful whose hearts were broken by the gravely sinful conduct of Church leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe great harm that has been caused by this sinful behavior must never be allowed to happen again,\u201c he said. \u201dIt is my sincere hope that this process has brought the survivors some comfort and peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
The diocese “is committed to ensuring the safety of all persons entrusted to our care,\u201d the bishop said. <\/p>\n
The New York-based law firm Jeff Anderson & Associates said in a May 19 press release<\/a> that the diocese and abuse victims \u201cwill continue negotiations regarding significant nonmonetary provisions,\u201d including \u201cenhancements to child protection policies and the public disclosure of information related to clergy and other personnel accused of sexual abuse.\u201d<\/p>\n