The diocese of Richmond will pay more than six million dollars in compensation to victims of clergy abuse

The diocese in February 2020 launched an independent reconciliation program to offer aid to alleged victims of minor sexual abuse through an independent arbitrator.

The diocese of Richmond is expected to pay a total of $ 6,3 million in settlements to more than 50 victims of clerical abuse, the bishop announced this week.

The announcement comes after the diocese celebrated its bicentenary on 11 July.

"With the celebration of a jubilee year comes another opportunity to work for justice - for the recognition of wrongs, reconciliation with those we are wrong and attempts to redress the pain we have caused," said Bishop Barry Knestout. in a letter dated October 15.

"These three facets - confession, reconciliation and reparation - are the basis of the sacrament of reconciliation of the Catholic Church, which was the model for our entry into the independent reconciliation program".

The diocese in February 2020 launched an independent reconciliation program to offer aid to alleged victims of minor sexual abuse through an independent arbitrator. On October 15, the diocese released a report detailing the program's conclusions.

Of the 68 claims filed, 60 were submitted to the Complaints Administrator. Of those alleged victims, 51 received payment offers, all of which were accepted.

According to the report, the settlements will be funded through the diocese's self-insurance program, a loan and "contributions from other religious orders, as appropriate."

The settlements will not come from parish or school assets, annual diocesan appeal, limited donor contributions, or limited endowments, the report said.

“Completing this program is by no means the end of our efforts to provide for the surviving victims of our diocese. Our commitment is ongoing. We must and will continue to meet surviving victims with support and compassion motivated by our common love for Jesus Christ, ”concluded Bishop Knestout, asking for continued prayers for the victims of abuse.