Apr 16, 2007 / 07:34 am
The Archdiocese of Portland’s $75-million settlement plan for about 175 alleged victims of abuse was approved by a judge on Friday.
Of the $75 million, $52 million will come from insurers. The archdiocese will not have to sell any churches or schools. The archdiocese’s plan also limits how much money it would pay to any sex-abuse victims who come forward in the future.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Elizabeth L. Perris is expected to sign an order making the settlement official on Tuesday. The gag order, which has prevented accusers, church officials and their lawyers from talking publicly since August, will also be lifted on Tuesday.
The bankruptcy plan calls for the archdiocese to separately incorporate parish churches and schools to protect them from future lawsuits.
Joseph Claude Harris, a noted Catholic Church financial analyst based in Seattle, told The Oregonian that separately incorporating the parishes and schools could spark disagreements over who gets control.