Record church abuse settlement unsealed

Associated Press/January 4, 2005

Los Angeles -- Alleged victims of clergy abuse wept today after a California judge unsealed details of their settlement with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange.

The record 100 (m) million-dollar settlement was reached a month ago after nearly two years of negotiations, but was under a court seal as the parties signed off on it.

It's the single largest clergy abuse settlement to date, surpassing the 85 (m) million dollars the Archdiocese of Boston agreed to pay 552 plaintiffs in 2002.

Some plaintiffs hugged Orange Bishop Tod Brown, who said, "I seek their forgiveness, I hope for reconciliation and I know that they have now begun their healing process."

Half of the payout will come from the diocese and the other half will be paid by its eight insurance carriers.