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  Woman Says Chicago Archdiocese Settled with Her for $125,000

WBBM Newsradio 780
February 11, 2006

http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/7192.php?

Chicago -- A former Chicago woman has come forward about a $125,000 settlement she reached with the Chicago Catholic Archdiocese in 2004.

50-year-old Linda Burke of Florida has been a member of SNAP, or the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests for some time, but has now decided to come forward with the names of priest who abused her.

Burke in a statement says she was a teenager in the 1960's and 70's when she was abused by Priests Paul O'Toole, John Rohric[h] and Howard Strum. O'Toole and Rohric[h] reportedly left the priesthood to marry. Strum is deceased. Burke alleged a fourth priest inappropriately touched her, but he was not named in the settlement and has retired from the priesthood in good standing.

SNAP says the names of five Chicago area priests accused of sex abuse have been released in recent weeks. Now there's three more names to add to the list.

The group is calling on Chicago Cardinal Francis George to release the names of all priests who've molested children. They say it's not up to victim's to get the word out.

Burke says the recent situation with the church has helped her realized that she too must stop protecting the priests who abused, used and exploited her as a teen and young adult. She's hoping this will encourage others abused by priests to come forward.

 
 

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