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CV NEWS FEED // The Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut, reached a $31 million settlement with survivors of sexual abuse, announced Feb. 14, marking a significant step toward addressing longstanding allegations and facilitating the diocese’s emergence from bankruptcy.
The settlement includes a comprehensive “Plan of Reorganization” that is designed to both provide compensation to survivors and allow the diocese to continue operating while managing its financial challenges, according to a joint statement from the parties involved. A central feature of the plan is the establishment of independent trusts that will oversee the distribution of funds to eligible survivors.
The diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2021 amid nearly 60 lawsuits related to alleged sexual abuse at Mount Saint John School in Deep River, The Middletown Press reported. At that time, approximately 150 survivors filed claims, with about half alleging that the abuse occurred at the school.
According to the joint statement from the Diocese of Norwich, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors representing the victims, the Association of Parishes of the diocese, and the Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America, the settlement plan was submitted to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Hartford Feb. 10. A hearing on the plan’s disclosure statement is scheduled for March 12 and 13, with further judicial approval pending.
“The Diocese of Norwich has always sought a plan that would address the needs of survivors, and we believe that this plan does just that,” said Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne of Hartford, who has been serving as the Diocese’s Apostolic Administrator since the retirement of Bishop Michael R. Cote. “The deep pain and suffering endured by survivors can never be healed by financial compensation, but we are committed to making some amends through this process.”
Survivors will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed settlement plan once it moves forward. Should enough claimants approve the proposal, the plan will be submitted for final judicial confirmation, and the independent trusts will be established to administer the compensation funds.
“While no amount of compensation can undo the harm that has been done, this settlement fund represents a meaningful and substantial step toward justice and healing for survivors,” said Stephen Kindseth of Zeisler & Zeisler, P.C., representing the survivors. “We fought hard to maximize compensation for the survivors and believe that this plan accomplishes that goal.”
