BishopAccountability.org
	A Clearer Explanation Diocese of Norwich Sets Record Straight on Origins of Settlement Money The Day [Norwich CT] June 26, 2007 http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=90baa0f6-1fb0-4fae-9250-e5adf27a126b Roman Catholics in the Diocese of Norwich should be relieved to know that the hard-earned money they drop into collection baskets does not pay for settlements to victims of priest sexual abuse. For years diocesan explanations of where the settlement money came from have been murky. On May 13 The Day published a story that explored how former Bishop Daniel P. Reilly handled allegations of sexual abuse by priests. Included were statements from a diocesan attorney that some settlement money came from weekly Mass collections. Now the diocese has corrected the attorney's statements. The diocese has paid out $4.4 million to victims. The diocese directly paid about $1 million of that amount, while $3.4 million came from insurance. The money paid directly came from interest earnings generated by a special "insurance reserve account," as did the money for the insurance premiums. No money from weekly collections was used, according to William J. Russell, diocesan financial officer. The special account was amassed over 54 years from gifts to the church that come with no restrictions, and from investments made by the diocese. Church officials were reluctant to say how much money it has stashed in the account, a reasonable position given more pending lawsuits. While the families of those who gave unrestricted donations, many in their wills, may not be thrilled to learn how some of the money was used, it is better than seeing the settlement money come from weekly donations intended for maintaining church parishes and for charitable work. In some parts of the country dioceses have been forced to sell church assets to raise settlement money. The Norwich diocese, covering most of eastern Connecticut, has had fewer lawsuits and is in a better financial position. A church spokesman also pointed out that no donations to the Annual Bishop's Appeal, Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services can be used for litigation expenses or settlements, but only for the benevolent work of those organizations. The principal tragedy of the abuse cases, most decades old, is the emotional suffering of the victims. But also damaged were the Catholic church's reputation and the faith of its members, including lost trust in how donated money was being spent. The frank discussion by the Diocese of Norwich about the origins of the settlement money is a positive sign that a new era of more open communication may have arrived. Michael Strammiello, the new director of communications, said the diocese wants to be as open and transparent as possible when dealing with the public and the news media. In an effort to prevent future cases of child sexual abuse, the Diocese of Norwich has developed the Safe Environments Program for children, parents, clergy and educators. It does background checks on adults who come in contact with children, empowers children to speak up if someone says or does something that makes them feel uncomfortable, and calls for contacting police when allegations arise. By being frank and open about issues influencing the church, even the messy and uncomfortable ones, and by maintaining a strong child protection program, the diocese can go a long way in putting the past scandals behind it.
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