The Catholic Church in Vermont has paid an $18 million (£12m) settlement to dozens of former altar boys who sued the church over allegations of sex abuse. The 26 men were abused by a priest over 30 years ago.
The diocese didn't dispute that the molestations happened. Many of the cases centred on the unfrocked Rev. Edward Paquette, who was the target of allegations before he transferred to Vermont in the mid-1970s.
Paquette had worked in parishes in Rutland and Montpelier and in Christ the King Church in Burlington, and he was accused of molesting dozens of altar boys.
The 80-year-old priest recently told the Burlington Free Press newspaper he was sorry for his actions and prays daily for the families of the people he harmed.
A lawyer for the men said that they were satisfied with the outcome, and that the settlement money would be divided among them depending on the nature of their injuries and their recoveries.
"Our clients are very happy to have the opportunity to close this chapter in their lives," said Jerome O'Neill, lawyer for the men.
"All of them know that nothing goes away, nothing changes the pain. They will live with this the rest of their lives, but at least now they can put this piece behind them and move forward."
Bishop Salvatore Matano, the Bishop of Burlington, asked for prayers to help the victims heal from the abuse.
"This has been a very painful process for the victims and for all the members of our diocesan family," he said.
"I once again apologise most sincerely for the pain the victims have suffered. I ask that you join me in praying always for these wounded and hurt brothers and sisters."
But the head of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, called the settlement a business deal by the diocese.
"Anyone who assumes this somehow suggests reform in the diocese is naive," said David Clohessy.
"The credit for this settlement lies squarely with the brave victims who had the strength to come forward, the wisdom to seek justice in the courts and determination to persist despite years of expensive, futile and self-serving legal manoeuvres by Vermont's bishop."
SIC: TCUK