BOSTON (MA)
The Pilot
By Christine Williams
BOSTON — The Archdiocese of Boston confirmed that 88 people with outstanding claims of abuse have accepted the archdiocese’s offer of a settlement and have signed settlement agreements, according to a statement dated March 9.
These 88 claimants represent all of the survivors pursuing claims who were eligible to participate in the first phase of the arbitration process. That includes those who were able to show with a “sufficient basis” that they were abused as a minor by a priest of the archdiocese.
“We feel it is an important first step in resolving pending claims of sexual abuse of children by priests of the Archdiocese of Boston,” said Kelly Lynch, a spokesperson for the archdiocese. “We are very pleased with the response the settlement offers generated and are looking forward to proceeding with this first phase of arbitration.”
Arbitration hearings to determine the amount awarded to each claimant will begin in March and continue into April. The hearings will be held under the auspices of Paul A. Finn of Commonwealth Mediation and Conciliation. Claimants will have the opportunity to choose who will attend the hearing with them, and no accused priests will be present, she said.