Editorial: Buck for victims abused by clergy stops with church

Albuquerque Journal
November 15, 2015

http://www.abqjournal.com/676052/opinion/buck-for-victims-abused-by-clergy-stops-with-church.html

Where is the spirit of reconciliation and commitment to make things right? Apparently, it comes with an asterisk in some segments of the Catholic Church when it comes to settling claims against clergy who abused children.

At the same time Santa Fe Archbishop John Wester warns Roman Catholics in New Mexico that the upcoming release of the movie “Spotlight” will revive painful memories, the Diocese of Gallup pleads poverty and one of its insurers says victims of one of its worst abusers may not get a dime for their suffering under its interpretation of coverage obligations.

Wester, who as archbishop over a church province that includes New Mexico and Arizona has some responsibilities over the Gallup Diocese, said he fears the movie about the Boston Globe’s 2002 investigation into the church’s cover-up of clergy abuse may bring up “horrific memories” for victims and asked local churchgoers to pray for those victims.

The archbishop added, “The Archdiocese of Santa Fe and I are … dedicated to the aid in the reconciliation and healing process.” Apparently “aid” might not include “financial” in the case of the Gallup victims.

One of two insurers expected to provide money to settle the Gallup Diocese Chapter 11 bankruptcy says claims filed by 16 alleged victims of the Rev. Clement Hageman, who pastored in Winslow, Ariz., until his death in 1975, are not covered by the insurance policies. The 16 are among 57 alleged victims of clerical sexual abuse who have filed claims in the bankruptcy case.

If a judge agrees, there will be no insurance coverage for the 16, according to an attorney for the New Mexico Property and Casualty Guaranty Association, an organization created by state law to take over policies of defunct companies.

The diocese contends the association is liable for settling claims in 34 cases that could reach $3.4 million. The association however, says it is liable for no more than $100,000, “regardless of the number of children” abused. And, mounting legal bills and costs could eat up whatever settlement money is agreed upon, leaving little or nothing for the abused.

If the association isn’t liable, then it really is up to the Catholic Church to take care of the people who suffered at the hands of its clergy.

So while Wester urges the faithful to pray for the victims, the church also should reach for its checkbook, and make restitution to those same victims