Harrisburg Diocese reaches settlement with clergy abuse survivors

Part of proposed deal to emerge from bankruptcy

WGAL News 8, Pennsylvania/August 5, 2022

The Diocese of Harrisburg has reached an agreement to settle claims of people who say they were victims of clergy sexual abuse.

The Diocese has agreed to set up a $7.5 million trust as part of a proposed settlement that will allow the Diocese to come out of bankruptcy protection.

The Diocese filed for bankruptcy in 2020. Since then, it said more than 50 people have filed claims that they were abused by priests.

"The steps we take today continue our commitment and responsibility to support survivors of clergy abuse, and to make restitution for the suffering they have endured," Bishop Ronald Gainer said in a news release on Thursday. "While I have acknowledged many times that no amount of money could ever compensate for the abuse these survivors have experienced, it is my prayer that this settlement will be the next step toward healing."

The Diocese of Harrisburg is comprised of 89 parishes in 15 counties.

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