Article Title
Diocese announces $5 million settlement with sexual abuse survivors
Link to Article: https://www.crookston.org/news/localnews/1270-diocese-announces-5-million-settlement-with-sexual-abuse-survivors
Source: Our Northland Diocese (OND)
Author(s): OND Staff Report
Date: July 17, 2019
Synopsis of / Excerpts from Article
According to the article:
The Diocese of Crookston has reached a $5 million settlement with victims/survivors of clergy sexual abuse, announced in a statement July 17. The settlement resolves 15 lawsuits for sexual abuse claims filed between April 2016 and May 2017 because of the Minnesota Child Victims Act. The legislation lifted the statute of limitations on abuse cases in Minnesota, opening a three-year window that allowed victims an opportunity to file civil claims.
According to the diocese, most of the costs associated with the settlement came through insurance proceeds. $1.55 million came from the property sales of Camp Corbett (Big Elbow Lake, Becker County, MN) in 2018 and Holy Spirit Newman Center (Bemidji, MN) in 2016, as well as two non-restricted estate gifts in 2017.
Also, in preparation for settlement, the diocese says two open staff positions were left unfilled. The diocese did not have to finance any portion of the settlement through loans. According to Bishop Hoeppner, no Diocesan Annual Appeal funds were used for the settlement.
Because of the settlement, the Diocese of Crookston says it has been able to avoid bankruptcy protection. All other dioceses in Minnesota have filed or announced their intent to file for financial reorganization in recent years.