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	Lahey Pledges Commitment of the Diocese of Antigonish to Helping Victims of Abuse Regrets Class Action Lawsuit but Respects Victims Right File It The News June 26, 2008 http://www.ngnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=147421&sc=49 The Roman Catholic Diocese of Antigonish remains committed to helping all genuine victims of sexual abuse, says Bishop Raymond Lahey. A class action lawsuit is proceeding against the Diocese and the office of Bishop with respect to priests alleged to have sexually abused children of the Diocese several decades ago. "The Diocese of Antigonish acknowledges that sexual abuse did occur with certain priests, some of whom have already been criminally convicted and punished for such horrific crimes" said Lahey. "The victims deserve a fair hearing and fair treatment, and they must be treated with respect and with dignity. While we must sort through the complexities of this new class action litigation, we are committed to providing compassion, compensation and counselling to these victims." Lahey says that the diocese hopes to structure a service of reconciliation and healing in consultation with the victims where it can deliver a formal apology to the victims and their families." The Diocese has already offered a less adversarial settlement process for those claimants who wish to avoid the unwelcome aspects of conventional litigation. That option remains available for those who prefer to avoid the class action process, Lahey said. The Diocese is also offering psychological counselling for claimants who seek assistance beyond legal remedies. "The class action claimants have chosen not to pursue the mediation process and instead to seek recovery under the new Class Proceedings Act," Lahey said. "We respect their right to do so. While we regret that this matter will now involve somewhat complex court proceedings new to Nova Scotia, our door remains open to explore all avenues of resolution and closure for people who have been genuinely victimized."
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