More US church abuse cases on the go
Publish date: 12 November 2004
Issue Number: 1216
Diary: Legalbrief Today
Category: General
The church sex abuse scandal that has rocked the Catholic Church in the US continues with a New Jersey judge giving a group of alleged victims the go ahead to sue the Catholic Diocese of Paterson, its former bishop and several churches and schools for abuses they suffered as children.
The New York Times reports the diocese has, since 1950, paid about $2.8m in settlements, legal fees, therapy and counseling related to sexual abuse by priests. It would not comment on why it was fighting the latest lawsuit, brought by 25 men and six of their wives. A former priest in the diocese, James Hanley has already provided a statement about his abusive behaviour, and allegations have been made against other priests. Full report in the New York Times
