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Archdiocese of New York offers deal to victims of abuse

They will receive compensation if they forgo filing lawsuits

By KAREN MATTHEWS, Associated Press
Published: October 6, 2016, 9:42pm

NEW YORK — Victims of clergy sex abuse willing to forego lawsuits against New York’s Roman Catholic archdiocese can seek compensation through a new church fund announced Thursday, but any records of such abuse and what the church did about problem priests will remain private.

The program will be led by Kenneth Feinberg, who managed the federal compensation fund for Sept. 11 victims, with oversight by former New York Police Department Commissioner Ray Kelly, among others.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the New York archbishop, said he created the fund because victims have said they need “a tangible sign of the church’s outreach and sense of reparation.”

The archdiocese announced the program at a time when victim advocates are pressing New York legislators to expand or temporarily abolish time limits on lawsuits over child sex abuse.

Dolan said about 200 people have made allegations against about 40 priests, and 30 of those victims have already agreed to voluntary settlements.

A second phase starting Feb. 1 will be open to new applicants, who will be asked for supporting documentation, such as evidence that they complained about the abuse at the time it occurred.

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