In a statement, Bishop Amos, said that the agreement offers "the best opportunity for healing" for victims of clergy abuse.
He also addressed the victims of abuse saying, “I apologize for the pain caused by the actions of some priests in the past 50 years. The priests who abused children betrayed the people who trusted them and they betrayed the Church. This has been a sad and difficult time for all of us as we attempt to offer healing to all victims of abuse. We are committed to ensuring that the Diocesan safe environment program will prevent this type of abuse from happening again.”
While the deal has yet to be approved by Judge Lee M. Jackwig, Bishop Amos said he hoped that it would allay uncertainty of the church's financial status and allow the diocese to continue its mission.
Lawyers for victims in the case said they were satisfied with the amount of the settlement. Patrick Noaker said the agreement may offer closure, of sorts, though he cautioned that many larger issues still must be addressed, mainly that the settlement doesn't ensure that future perpetrators won't have access to children. Mr. Noaker did not comment on the diocesan safe environment program mentioned by Bishop Amos.
Pending judicial approval, diocesan officials expect payments to begin by July 2008. To fund the settlement, the diocese is selling its headquarters and has already sold all other property owned by the diocese, including the bishop’s residence and a farm in Davenport. The balance of the money will come from diocesan investments and insurance companies.
Other measures to help sex abuse victims being offered by the diocese are: mental health counseling to any known or future abuse survivors, publication of the names of known abusers, and a personal letter of apology to any victim who wants one from Bishop Amos.
