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	Parishioners React to Church Sex Abuse Deal Faithful Differ on Fairness of Settlement By Monica Dean NBC Sandiego September 10, 2007 http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/14081360/detail.html SAN DIEGO — On the first Sunday since the Diocese of San Diego settled a huge sex abuse lawsuit, the reaction outside Catholic churches was mixed. The diocese announced Friday that it will pay nearly $200 million to victims sexually abused by priests. The settlement will pay an average of $1.75 million per person to 144 victims are named in the lawsuit in San Diego and San Bernardino.. On Friday, San Diego's Bishop Robert Brom offered a public apology and at mass today a letter from the bishop was given to many parishioners. Outside catholic churches in San Diego reaction was mixed "I don't think any amount of money could alleviate the pain and suffering they went through and the mistrust," said church member Pat Garrett. "I think there will be a correction and improvement. I think it's for the best," parishioner Tom Erbelding said. The deal will settle cases dating back to 1938. On Friday, Brom said, "I am very sorry for the suffering we caused them." A letter read in churches Sunday reiterated the apology. It also said the $198 million settlement is not the end of the church's plight to put a stop to sexual abuse. The Rev. Peter Escalante, a priest at St. Joe's Catholic Church, said he hopes victims' suffering will begin to subside as they find closure. "In many ways the church is a family, and when one member of the family is suffering we all suffer … Hopefully, it's not about just the money. It's about the healing and reconciliation that will take place from here. That's what we pray for," Escalante said. A judge will eventually review the specifics of each victim's case and decide how to divide up the settlement money. Contact: monica.dean@nbcuni.com
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