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	Judge Approves Settlement for Clergy Abuse Victims KGAN April 30, 2008 http://www.kgan.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.ia/21d738b4-www.kgan.com.shtml DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A bankruptcy judge has approved a plan that allows the Davenport Diocese to pay 37 million dollars to dozens of people who claim they were sexually abused by priests. Judge Lee Jackwig approved the reorganization plan today after a lengthy hearing in Davenport. As part of the settlement, the judge required that the diocese issue annual reports for the next three years showing efforts to prevent future abuse. The diocese will be required to issue apology letters from Diocese Bishop Martin Amos and an online listing of all abusers. Craig Levien, an attorney for some of the victims, says he is pleased with the settlement. In a statement issued today, Bishop Amos said the diocese has learned difficult lessons and wants to promote — quote — "justice over the threat of scandal." The diocese filed for bankruptcy in October 2006, saying it did not have the money to settle the claims stemming from its clergy sexual abuse scandal. The diocese and creditors reached a settlement in November that calls for the diocese to pay about 17 million dollars, with the rest coming from its insurance carrier, Travelers.
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