The Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco has agreed to pay $395 million to settle more than 500 lawsuits alleging child sex abuse by members of the clergy, AP writes. About 530 victims will receive compensation. The agreement follows a three-year process that began after the archdiocese filed for bankruptcy amid multiple lawsuits.
In addition to cash payments, the archdiocese has committed to sweeping reforms. In particular, it would have to publish a list of clerics accused of abuse, end non-disclosure agreements with victims, and provide greater transparency in the handling of such cases. Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone will also send a personal letter of apology to each victim.
The distribution of funds will be handled by a special fund under the control of a committee representing the interests of the victims. When determining the amount of compensation, the circumstances of each case will be taken into account. Victims’ lawyers called the settlement an important step toward acknowledging the church’s responsibility, although they stressed that no payment could compensate for the trauma they suffered.
Most of the lawsuits relate to events that happened decades ago. They became possible to file after a change in California law that temporarily extended the statute of limitations for victims of childhood sexual abuse. The agreement still must be approved by the bankruptcy court.