With a $50 million settlement between a Catholic organization in Oregon and victims of sex abuse by Alaska-based Jesuit priests, the sole defendant left in the case is the Fairbanks Catholic Diocese.The Fairbanks diocese is facing about 150 unresolved clerical sexual abuse claims and is pondering several options, including reorganization under Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
"It's great that they settled," said Robert Hannon, special assistant to Catholic Bishop Donald Kettler, "but it doesn't change too many things for us."
Hannon said the diocese is still hoping to find a settlement and is optimistic that a Dec. 14 Anchorage court hearing will provide that opportunity.
"We're all for anything that brings resolution and healing and some sense to anybody who feels they have been harmed by Catholic clergy staff or volunteers," Hannon said.
James Niksik of St. Michael said it is more important that the church acknowledge his sexual abuse by a Catholic cleric.
The Rev. John Whitney, head of the Jesuits in the Northwest, said the Oregon Jesuits have agreed to $22 million in settlements to date, which includes a $5 million portion of the Alaska settlement. Insurers are handling the remainder of the settlement, he said.
Whitney, whose six-year appointment has dealt mostly with sexual abuse litigation, calls the Alaska cases a tragedy and said he will continue trying to bring healing to the whole church.
"Mistakes were certainly made by predecessors, but the allegation that Alaska is a dumping ground (for pedophile clergy), that simply is not true," Whitney said.
"I think we didn't screen well enough. No one went there (Alaska) who didn't request it. A large number of men served there with distinction and honor and loved the people and sought to bring the good news," he said.
Whitney said he plans to visit Western Alaska in the spring to apologize in person.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to either myself or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that I agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Sotto Voce