January 26, 2006

Abuse cases end quietly for diocese

PHOENIX (AZ)
The Arizona Republic

Michael Clancy
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 26, 2006 12:00 AM

The Phoenix Diocese quietly has reached out-of-court settlements in five sex-abuse lawsuits filed in Maricopa County, paying out $375,000 to the victims. Each of the cases was settled in the past six months.

"Bishop (Thomas J.) Olmsted would like to put these matters behind us, and we are working very hard to do that," said Mike Haran, attorney for the diocese.

Olmsted said, "Our primary goal concerning these settlements is to foster healing and reconciliation." advertisement

He added, "We believe the settlements were fair and appropriate."

The diocese also has resolved four cases filed in Tucson. Remaining are 17 lawsuits, 10 filed locally and seven in California.

Mark Kennedy, who received a settlement, said ending his case brought "healing and wellness."

"I was overcome by a sense of forgiveness for everyone who hurt me," he said.

Posted by kshaw at January 26, 2006 08:46 AM