Denver, Colo., Feb 2, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver said Catholics in Colorado would examine Bishop William Skylstad’s settlement and approach to the sex-abuse cases in the Diocese of Spokane.
Archbishop Chaput said Catholics across the state have “noted with interest” the settlement reached this week by the Diocese of Spokane in its sex abuse cases, and the reported willingness of its bishop to support changes in Washington state’s criminal statute of limitations.
“The circumstances in Washington and Colorado — and the Diocese of Spokane and the dioceses of Colorado — are quite different,” said Archbishop Chaput. “Nonetheless, Colorado Catholics would welcome a discussion of the statutes of limitations regarding sexual abuse, as long as any revision of the law is fair, comprehensive, all-inclusive and equitable.”
On Feb. 1, the Diocese of Spokane offered a $45.7 million settlement to 75 abuse victims. The diocese had filed for bankruptcy in 2004 after being hit with sex-abuse lawsuits, totaling more than $77 million.