SPOKANE (WA)
KGW
02/02/2006
By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS / Associated Press
A proposal by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane to pay $45.7 million to 75 victims of sexual abuse by priests raises a major question: Where will the small, poor diocese get that kind of money?
Church leaders acknowledge they aren't really sure. Spokane Bishop William Skylstad hsa refused to rule out the sale of parish churches, parochial schools, cemeteries or other diocese property.
"I call on the entire Catholic community to support the resolution I've proposed," he said at a Wednesday news conference.
Skylstad made the settlement offer in a letter, and a committee of five plaintiffs recommended approval Tuesday night. The 75 victims have 120 days to accept the offer, which must also win approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.