CATHOLIC CHURCH California diocese settles cases with 87 victims of sexual abuse

Details are still unknown but the settlement is expected to exceed $85 million.
Orange County Register
LOS ANGELES -- The Diocese of Orange has agreed to a settlement with 87 victims of clergy sexual abuse but released no details on how much money will be paid to the plaintiffs.
The plaintiffs had asked that all personnel documents be released. The judges in the case will rule on which documents should be made public.
The agreement ends two years of negotiations and marks California's first group settlement involving clergy abuse.
Attorneys and the alleged victims were under a strict gag order imposed by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Owen Lee Kwong, but a participant in the negotiations told The Associated Press that the settlement exceeded the $85 million payout by the Archdiocese of Boston.
Attorneys did not say when details of the settlement would be released, but some close to the negotiations said it would be in seven days.
"I want to take this opportunity to again extend on behalf of the Diocese of Orange and myself a sincere apology, a request for forgiveness, and a heartfelt hope for reconciliation and healing," Bishop Tod D. Brown said in a prepared statement.
Bishop Brown said the settlement would "fairly compensate the victims in a way that allows our church to continue its ministry."
Moving forward
Ray Boucher, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, said in a prepared statement that the settlement included the production of documents related to clergy abuse, but that the documents would not be released until a judge had reviewed them.
"No amount of money will replace their lost childhood and teenage years, but this settlement will give them all the ability and opportunity to conclude their claims and help them move forward in their lives," Boucher said.
John Manly, another plaintiffs' attorney, said he was grateful to Bishop Brown for settling the cases.
"He has taken a step no other diocese has done, to step up and take care of the people who were victims," he said.
Attorney Kathy Freberg called it a historic settlement that will set a precedent for others.
Attorneys were ordered not to talk about the details until everyone has signed off on final paperwork.
Bishop Brown offered thanks to all parties, asked for forgiveness from any alleged victims and said he would write a letter of apology to them. He said the agreement was "fair and compassionate" and would allow the diocese to continue serving the Catholic community at large.
Reconciliation
Edward and Steve Landry, brothers who were abused as children, said they were satisfied by the offer.
"To see the bishop be here, it really humanized the whole process for me," Steve Landry said. "I welcome his apology with open arms and a gracious heart."
Alleged victims and their families were crying and hugging as lawyers told them that a settlement had been reached.
"It's overwhelming. My whole family has been through so much because of this," said David Guerrero of Long Beach, as his parents stood next to him. "I am so grateful and thankful it is over."
As the bishop walked through the halls of Los Angeles Superior Court, hugging the alleged victims, Mark Curran, 40, of Santa Ana reflected on the announcement.
"To me it was not about the money," he said. "It was about the church reconciling with the people. It won't take away the hurt."
Joelle Casteix, who alleges she was molested while a student at Mater Dei High School, said she was moved to see the bishop hugging alleged victims and visiting in the halls.
"It's too bad it took two years to get here," she said.