Denver, Colo., Jul 1, 2008 / 10:53 am
Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput announced today that the archdiocese has settled nearly all of the claims of sexual abuse by priests through a mediation program, resulting in payments of $5.5 million for 18 separate claims.
At a press conference held at Bonfils Hall on Tuesday morning, Archbishop Chaput explained that all of the lawsuits against the archdiocese were connected to the deceased priests Harold Robert White and Leonard Abercrombie, with one exception. The alleged abuse by the two clerics occurred between the years 1954 and 1981.
The claims of sexual abuse against the two priests began to be made in August of 2005. Upon learning of the accusations, the archdiocese sought to mediate the claims rather than resort to the courts.
The mediation process initiated by the archdiocese, which began in May 2006, was led by retired Judge Richard Dana, and also included an independent mediation panel consisting of Littleton, Colorado Chief of Police Heather Coogan and rehabilitation specialist Jack Dahlberg.
Participation by the abuse victims in the mediation program was voluntary, but according to Archbishop Chaput, “the majority of cases were resolved” through the process. The total amount paid by the archdiocese was $5,505,000 to settle 18 separate claims. Following today’s announcement, the Archdiocese of Denver now faces only two lawsuits related to sexual abuse by priests.