Archdiocese in Portland settles suits

EUGENE — Nearly all those claiming sexual abuse by priests in Western Oregon have agreed to settle their lawsuits against the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Portland.

U.S. District Judge Michael Hogan, who mediated the deal, announced the agreement Monday. He would not disclose a dollar amount but said insurance companies have agreed to provide more than $50 million and that the archdiocese could cover all claims without selling off property held by parishes and schools.

The Portland archdiocese was the first in the nation to seek bankruptcy protection after the church's sex-abuse scandal broke. An agreement has been reached with about 150 claimants, leaving about 20 to go, Hogan said.

Court records show the archdiocese has spent $15 million so far on legal costs. Before going into bankruptcy court in 2004, the archdiocese had paid out $53 million in claims, with insurance covering about half.

"These are expensive lessons," Hogan said, adding the parties hope "they have been learned."

David Clohessy, national director of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said he hoped the accord would bring healing to the victims.

"We are grateful they had the wisdom to go to the courts and had the persistence to continue throughout this arduous process," he said. "Every Catholic in Oregon owes these wounded but compassionate victims a debt of gratitude."

As part of the settlement, a "healing" service will be held, in which all parties, including the victims, will be thanked, Hogan said.

"Most bishops are breathing a sigh of relief across the country" that the settlement will not require selling off parish churches and schools, said Chuck Zech, economics professor at Villanova University.

Three other dioceses — Spokane, Tucson, and Davenport, Iowa — have also sought bankruptcy protection. Tucson emerged from the process in 2005 without having to sell off parish and school properties.