Landmark Settlement Reached with Victims of Clergy Abuse, KGET, July 16, 2007

Landmark Settlement Reached with Victims of Clergy Abuse

KGET
July 16, 2007

http://www.kget.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=ed6e4d2e-b6e4-41e2-94aa-b252b4559e10

Bakersfield - After more than five years of negotiations, a landmark settlement was reached between the Catholic archdiocese of Los Angeles and more than 500 alleged victims of clergy abuse.

The multimillion dollar settlement is the largest of its kind, but does the big payout mean big changes in the Catholic Church?

"I think everyone can move beyond this and get back to doing what the church should be doing," said St. Phillip the Apostle Church Monsignor Ronald Swett, "and hopefully victims can go on and build their lives."

Swett said he believes the LA archdiocese is relieved by the settlement, but knows money can't ease the victims' pain.

Outside the LA Superior Courthouse, attorneys, alleged victims and family members spoke out about the settlement and abuse from clergy members.

"It was the fault of evil despicable men that did evil despicable things to them," said attorney Ray Bouchet.

Now a judge has approved a $660 million settlement that will go to more than 500 victims who said they have been abused.

Cardinal Roger Mahoney apologized to those involved.

"The one thing I wish I could give the victims, I cannot, which is a restoration to where they were originally," Mahoney said.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help's Monsignor Michael Braun said this is an eye-opener for the Catholic Church.

"The bishops have learned a lesson," Braun said. "That's the greatest change."

The archdiocese has until Dec. 1 to make the payments of about $1.3 million to each victim. The agreement absolves all cases against the archdiocese, and calls for the release of accused priests' confidential personnel files.