Gallup diocese nears $25 million in abuse settlement

San Antonion Express-News
May 31, 2016

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/crime/article/Gallup-diocese-nears-25-million-in-abuse-7954691.php

GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — As its bankruptcy case wraps up, the Diocese of Gallup has allocated millions of dollars to compensate victims of clergy sexual abuse.

At the diocese's bankruptcy confirmation hearing on June 21, it could get final confirmation of its plan of reorganization, reported The Gallup Independent (http://bit.ly/1jl8YBA). That would be a huge step forward for the diocese, which has been wrangling with abuse claimants for more than a year.

The diocese is creating a fund of between $21 million and $25 million to be used for professional fees and settlements with the 57 abuse survivors who led claims in bankruptcy court. Professional fees are now listed at more than $3.6 million, and some settlements for abuse victims are expected to approach $300,000.

The Gallup Diocese and attorneys and representatives for the clergy abuse claimants also agreed on 17 non-monetary provisions for the settlement.

One such provision will require Bishop James S. Wall to personally sign letters of apology to all abuse claimants and, if requested, their immediate family members. Wall will also speak at each operating Catholic parish or school where abuse occurred or where identified abusers served.

The Gallup Diocese is also expected to take measures to help prevent clergy sexual abuse in the future.

The settlement includes a policy that Gallup Diocese representatives no longer refer to clergy sex abuse claimants as "alleged" victims or survivors. It also requires the diocese to provide immediate counseling for the claimants in the bankruptcy case and provide a way for the victims to tell their stories, if desired.