$9.95M settlement announced in priest abuse cases

By Laura Mccallister
KCTV
October 14, 2014

http://www.kctv5.com/story/26787349/995m-settlement-announced-in-priest-abuse-cases

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -

The Catholic Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph said they have settled all outstanding sexual abuse claims for a total amount of $9.95 million.

The settlement resolves 30 pending claims filed between 2010 and earlier this year alleging abuse by diocesan priests twenty or more years ago.

They explained where the money came from in a release:

“The Diocese sincerely hopes that this settlement can bring about some closure to those hurt by abuse in the past. The Diocese also prays for a healing which can bring peace to the hearts of all of those hurt by child sexual abuse.”

“A large portion of this settlement will be covered by insurers with the balance being paid by the Diocese.”

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests released a response saying they are glad the sexual abuse survivors won't have to endure going through trial, but they believe more cover-ups would have come out if the cases had gone to trial. 

"While we are relieved these courageous survivors, especially Jon David, won't have to endure even more mean-spirited legal attacks by Finn and his expensive lawyers, more cover ups by more Catholic officials would have emerged had these cases gone to trial and we're sad that this won't happen."

"We hope this outcome will prod others who have been hurt by KC priests, nuns, deacons, seminarians and other Catholic employees to get help, come forward, expose wrongdoers and protect kids."