In a significant development for the Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut, a settlement has been reached for survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

This agreement comes as part of the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings that the diocese initiated a few years ago.

Settlement Details and Compensation Fund

A joint statement issued by the diocese, a committee representing abuse survivors, and the Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America confirmed the details of the settlement.

They announced a $31 million compensation fund designed to provide meaningful recovery for the survivors and help the diocese emerge from bankruptcy while continuing its religious mission.

Background of the Bankruptcy and Efforts Toward Justice

The Diocese of Norwich filed for bankruptcy in 2021.

At that time, the diocese’s bishop, Michael Côté, emphasized that the bankruptcy process would centralize all litigation and aim to ensure that every survivor was treated fairly.

After Bishop Côté’s retirement in September, Archbishop Christopher Coyne stepped in as the apostolic administrator for the Norwich Diocese.

Coyne acknowledged that while financial compensation cannot undo the deep pain and suffering survivors endured, the diocese is committed to taking steps toward healing through this process.

He stated, “The Diocese of Norwich has always sought a plan that would address the needs of survivors, and we believe that this plan does just that.”

Attorney Statement and Compensation Breakdown

Stephen Kindseth, an attorney representing the survivors, expressed satisfaction with the settlement.

He stated that the compensation fund represents a “meaningful and substantial step toward justice and healing” for the survivors.

He added that the legal team worked diligently to secure the best possible outcome for the victims, and this settlement fulfills that goal.

The proposed fund will consist of contributions from several sources: $2.7 million from diocesan parishes, $5.3 million from Catholic Mutual Relief, and approximately $6.5 million from the sale of the former St. Bernard School in Montville.

This settlement marks a critical moment in the Diocese of Norwich’s efforts to bring closure to this chapter of its history and provide some measure of justice for the survivors.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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