Fr. Griffith's Letter Regarding the Archdiocesan Bankruptcy Settlement

By Father Daniel Griffith
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish
June 3, 2018

https://lourdesmpls.org/news/fr-griffiths-letter-regarding-the-archdiocesan-bankruptcy-settlement

Dear Friends in Christ,

As you have heard, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis announced Thursday that it had reached a consensual agreement with victim survivors and insurers definitively resolving bankruptcy claims against the Archdiocese. The settlement establishes a trust fund of approximately $210 million dollars which will be available for the resolution of the claims, including significant funds for the numerous victim survivors who have been abused and harmed by clergy. The settlement amount is the largest of its kind involving a Catholic diocese in the United States. This is indeed a positive outcome which provides victim survivors some measure of justice and the opportunity for all to move forward to a place of greater healing and restoration. I am very heartened that a settlement has been reached and particularly happy for the victim survivors as this resolution will help bring needed closure and greater peace. I am deeply sorry for the abuse that was experienced by victim survivors at the hands of clergy.

Archbishop Hebda spoke at a press conference Thursday at the Chancery in St. Paul and began his remarks by focusing on the pain of victim survivors. The Archbishop thanked them for bravely coming forward and expressed sorrow for the pain they had experienced at the hands of the Church. He said that without their “courage and persistence, today could not be possible.” Archbishop Hebda went on to say that he recognized “that the abuse stole so much from you – your childhood, your innocence, your safety, your ability to trust, and in many cases, your faith. Relationships with family and friends, relationships in your parishes and communities were harmed. Lives were forever changed. The Church let you down, and I’m very sorry.”

I watched the press conference live and was very moved by the sincere and empathetic words of Archbishop Hebda. He is a good shepherd and a man of compassion and that was fully on display as he delivered his statement. I thank Archbishop Hebda and all those worked so diligently to arrive at a resolution which will now allow all to move forward to a place of greater light - fulfilling the sacred mission that Christ has entrusted to the Church. In regard to how the settlement effects the parishes of the Archdiocese, Archbishop Hebda noted that the settlement includes a special provision that enables “parishes to avoid further litigation stemming from these claims.” While Our Lady of Lourdes does not have a claim against it, the comprehensive nature of the settlement is indeed good news for everyone.

One of the recent positive developments that helped provide the impetus for a settlement was the decision by many parishes to voluntarily contribute funds for victim survivors. Many of the parishes who contributed toward the settlement had one or numerous claims against them. As I noted above, Our Lady of Lourdes does not have a claim against it and yet I felt strongly that the parish should contribute toward the fund that will help compensate victim survivors. I recently consulted our parish trustees and finance council and after receiving positive feedback have made the decision that Our Lady of Lourdes will contribute $5,000 to the victim survivor fund. Our contribution will come from our Matthew 25 Fund and I thank the parish couple who gave their permission that a portion of their recent gift could be used for this purpose.

Finally, and not least in importance, Our Lady of Lourdes will continue the important work of restorative justice and healing to which our parish community has been called. The recent restorative justice and healing forum led by Justice Janine Geske at Lourdes was very powerful and well received. Lourdes is a place of light and healing and we wish to open our doors to all, including those who have experienced abuse. I, our staff, and parish community are ready to accompany all fellow sojourners, including those who are seeking greater healing as a result of any wounds they may have experienced. On a personal note, five years ago this summer I began my work as Delegate for Safe Environment - just as the dark clouds of the Archdiocesan abuse scandal were amassing. I believed then and believe even more now that our good and gracious God always brings light out of darkness. Together, as a local Church, may we move resolutely toward the light of God - vigilant in our protection of children and ready to bring greater healing and peace.