https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/minnesota-catholic-diocese-winona-rochester-settlement-sexual-abuse
"Minnesota Catholic diocese paying out nearly $22M to settle 145 abuse claims"
The Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota agreed to a $21.5 million settlement with 145 individuals who said clergy within the church engaged in rampant sexual abuse.
Bishop John Quinn of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester said he hoped the financial compensation would help the survivors recover from the trauma they allegedly endured.
“It is my desire and hope that the compensation paid in this settlement will help the survivors heal from the pain they have felt over these many years," he said.
After sexual abuse allegations emerged from schools, churches, and other institutions, all of which were under the church's control, coupled with the state passing a 2013 law extending the allowable time frame for reporting sexual misconduct, the diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Winona-Rochester, one of five Catholic strongholds in Minnesota to declare bankruptcy due to victims seeking legal repercussions, will use the settlement to submit financial reorganization plans to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, which will need to be approved.
The diocese signaled that the church will not forget the abuse reportedly inflicted by clergymen as it reorganizes in the aftermath of its bankruptcy.
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