BishopAccountability.org
	Pennies from Heaven Tribune-Review September 20, 2007 http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/archive/s_528364.html Even though the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh was not legally obligated, we commend it for settling 32 of the 35 cases of people claiming to have been abused by priests. But considering seven other payouts from the Catholic Church nationwide — from Boston to Los Angeles — for settlement of sexual abuse claims, how much praise is deserved by the local diocese is problematic. The $1.25 million settlement — from the Pittsburgh diocese's insurance-funded Outreach Fund — is roughly $39,000 per person. However, that does not include attorney fees. And since a retired Allegheny County judge will decide who gets what, some victims could get less. The Diocese of San Diego paid $198 million to 144 victims — an average of $1.375 million. That was the highest of the seven. The Archdiocese of Louisville was the lowest, $25.7 million to 243 victims — averaging almost $106,000. The $39,000 seems shamefully low. The Diocese of Pittsburgh should not victimize the 32 again. The church can reach into its own pocket to make the settlement equitable — unless it believes Pittsburgh victims didn't suffer as much as others. That said, the state Legislature could help future prey by reviewing statute of limitations law to ensure Pennsylvania is not "predator-friendly." Pray that some good might come from this sorrowful testament to unholy perversion.
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