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  Catholic Diocese in Memphis Settles Sex Abuse Cases

The Jackson Sun [Memphis TN]
June 15, 2007

http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070615/NEWS01/70615013

The Diocese of Memphis announced Thursday three cases of alleged sexual abuse against Father Joseph Nguyen have been settled.

A consent order and settlement agreement has been entered into among the diocese and three alleged victims of abuse.

The agreement brings closure to the litigation of three separate complaints filed as Jane Does against the diocese.

The agreement said the settlement is neither an admission of liability or an admission of the validity of any claims made against the diocese.

It is, instead, a compromise of disputed claims.

While this brings closure to the civil suits, the diocese continues its investigation into the actions of Nguyen to determine whether or not he is suitable for ministry in the church.

Nguyen remains on administrative leave from all ministerial duties.

"The Diocese is confident that the agreements reached are in the best interests of all concerned," said Father John Geaney, CSP, spokesperson for the diocese.

"As a Church we continue to be as vigilant as humanly possible in creating safe environments for the children who come to us for ministry. We constantly seek out any alleged victims who believe they have been abused in order to promote their healing and work continually to bring full protection to all youth and children."

Currently all priests, deacons and lay personnel of the diocese have cleared background checks, and thousands of employees and volunteers have participated in safe child training.

 
 

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