Oregon Suits By Abuse Victims Against Archdiocese Settled

In Eugene, Oregon last week, U.S. District Judge Michael Hogan, at a press conference with church officials and lawyers for abuse victims, announced a settlement between the Archdiocese of Portland and almost 150 plaintiffs. Last Friday's Catholic Sentinel says that the settlement does not require the Archdiocese to sell off parish or school property. Among the suits settled is one that pushed the Archdiocese into bankruptcy proceedings in 2004. Insurance companies will contribute $50 million to the settlement fund, and the rest of the undisclosed settlement amount will come from the sale of non-parish and non-school real estate. Creditors, including abuse victims, must still vote to approve the settlement. Part of the settlement plan will result in parishes and schools being incorporated separately as charitable entities separate from the archdiocese.