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	Statement Concerning Settlement of Lawsuit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution October 29, 2009 http://www.diosav.org/node/1658 The Diocese of Savannah announced October 28 it has reached an agreement through a court-ordered mediation in South Carolina with Mr. Allan Ranta who alleged he was sexually molested by former priest Wayland Y. Brown during the period from 1978-83. Mr. Ranta also alleged the Diocese had foreknowledge of Mr. Brown’s propensities. The $4.24 million settlement brings to a resolution all claims Mr. Ranta has with all parties excepting Mr. Brown. The decision to settle was to avoid the expense and burden of a lengthy trial by all parties. Bishop J. Kevin Boland said, “I am sorry for all the pain and suffering experienced by Mr. Ranta and my prayers go out not only to him, but to all victims of child sexual abuse that each may find the healing they seek.” The protection of children and youth is of the utmost importance, the bishop said. The Diocese adopted the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002. Since that time, over 7,000 adult volunteers and employees who work with children in the Diocese have attended safe environment training. The Diocese of Savannah recently received word from the Gavin Group, Inc., an independent auditing agency, that the diocese was found to be compliant with all articles of the Bishops’ Charter. The auditors made an on-site visit to the diocese in early October and determined that for the sixth consecutive year the diocese was compliant with all aspects of the Charter.
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