Covington, Ky., Jun 6, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Parishioners in the Diocese of Convington are supportive of the $120-million fund that diocesan officials have offered to set aside to compensate victims of clergy sexual abuse.
The Associated Press interviewed a number of parishioners at St. Anthony Parish festival in nearby Taylor Mill. While some of them voiced their concerns about the financial strain this would put on the diocese, others said the settlement was fair and that the scandal hasn’t negatively impacted their faith.
Yesterday, the diocese announced the $120-million settlement offer — the largest settlement offer to date in the U.S. It must still be approved by a court judge. The settlement would resolve a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of more than 100 alleged victims, who accuse the diocese of a cover-up. However, the fund would encompass all known and unknown cases within a 50-year window. Lawyers have said it may take months before all claims surface.
“After personally meeting with more than 70 victims, I am painfully aware that no amount of money can compensate for the harm these victims suffered as innocent children,” said Bishop Foys in a statement yesterday. “Nevertheless, I pray that this settlement will bring some measure of peace and healing to victims and their loved ones.”