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  Priest Abuse Victims Wary S.D. Diocese May Renege Settlement

By Andrew Phelps
KPBS
September 5, 2007

http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=9543

Advocates for sex-abuse victims are urging patience amid speculation of a settlement with San Diego's Catholic diocese. The diocese filed for bankruptcy protection just as the first of 150 lawsuits was headed for trial. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has details.

The Union-Tribune quoted a friend of Bishop Robert Brom, who says both sides are close to a settlement that would avert trials. The bankruptcy judge delayed a critical hearing till next week. That could mean attorneys need time to finish a deal.

Barbara Dorris speaks for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests[http://www.snapnetwork.org/]. She says it would be unfair to mislead sex-abuse victims about a possible settlement.

Dorris: We fear that Bishop Brom is in some ways leading them on. 'Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, we're going to do this.' And then when nothing happens, they're hurt. And we don't want them to get hurt again.

Dorris says church officials in Boston reneged on a deal several years ago after it was publicly announced.

Attorneys for San Diego's diocese won't discuss the case while the mediation continues.

 
 

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