Diocese of Winona-rochester Reaches $21.5 Million Settlement with Abuse Survivors

By Joe Ruff
Catholic Spirit - Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
February 12, 2021

https://thecatholicspirit.com/news/local-news/diocese-of-winona-rochester-reaches-21-5-million-settlement-with-abuse-survivors/

The Diocese of Winona-Rochester has reached a $21.5 million settlement with a creditors’ committee representing 145 survivors of clergy sexual abuse, the diocese said in a Feb. 10 statement.

“It is my desire and hope that the compensation paid in this settlement will help the survivors heal from the pain they have felt over these many years,” said Bishop John Quinn. “We must never forget the tragic anguish caused by individuals who abused their power and positions of authority.”

The settlement includes resolution of claims against parishes, schools and other Catholic entities in the diocese. It will allow the diocese to submit a plan of reorganization under its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for approval.

The agreement provides for additional proceeds from certain insurance companies, and future action against certain insurance carriers that provided coverage for the diocese in the 1960s and 1970s, the diocese said in its statement. Claims stemming from that time with those insurance carriers have not been resolved and additional compensation to the survivors may be recovered, the diocese said.

The diocese filed a petition under Chapter 11 reorganization in November 2018. Since then, under supervision of the Bankruptcy Court, the diocese has worked to resolve claims that were filed when the civil statute of limitations on historical childhood sexual abuse claims was lifted in Minnesota for a three-year period that ended in May 2016.

Since implementing its safe environment program, the diocese has conducted 44,000 background checks and 16,000 clergy, teachers, staff and volunteers have completed its safe environment training. The diocese works with its Ministerial Standards Board to ensure accountability for all those who serve the diocese.

“On behalf of the diocese, I want to express my sincere apology to all those who have been affected by sexual abuse in our diocese,” Bishop Quinn said. “I pledge my continuing commitment to ensure that this terrible chapter in the history of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester never happens again.”