The Diocese of Camden has announced a plan to distribute $90 million to survivors of clergy sex abuse, well above its original offer of $10 million as part of a bankruptcy action, the Cherry Hill (N.J.) Courier Post reported. But the proposal was promptly rebuffed by a lawyer for a committee representing sex-abuse survivors. The two sides have clashed repeatedly over the amount of funds to be provided to sex-abuse survivors, with the committee alleging the diocese has undervalued its assets to reduce its exposure. The proposed fund, if approved in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, would be used to resolve some 300 claims, the diocese said in a statement Wednesday night. The diocese would provide “the bulk” of the money, but its parishes “will also contribute a portion,” the statement said. It offered no specifics. It acknowledged the proposal “will cause concern in many parishioners due to its size. However, it is necessary.” “While this settlement may cause the diocese some restriction, it ultimately allows parishes, schools and ministries within the diocese to continue their important work,” the statement said. The diocese filed for chapter 11 protection from creditors in October 2020, citing the financial burden of sex-abuse lawsuits and the pandemic. It initially offered $10 million to settle sex-abuse claims, an amount that rose to $53 million by October 2021. The diocese said its new plan includes $30 million from insurers, who agreed to the payment after a 10-hour mediation session last month.
