NJ Catholic diocese agrees to pay $180 million to survivors

The Diocese of Camden has agreed to pay $180 million to settle clergy sexual abuse claims brought by about 300 survivors; the total includes an earlier 2022 payment and still needs bankruptcy court approval.

The Diocese of Camden has agreed to pay $180 million to resolve clergy sexual abuse claims brought by roughly 300 survivors, Bishop Joseph Williams said in a letter. The diocese filed for bankruptcy after New Jersey relaxed its statute of limitations, which led to a wave of lawsuits. Attorneys said the $180 million total includes an earlier 2022 settlement of $87.5 million. New Jersey's Supreme Court has also cleared the way for a long-delayed state grand jury inquiry into decades of alleged clergy abuse. Key facts: - The announced agreement totals $180 million and involves about 300 claimants, according to the diocese. - Victims' attorneys say the amount includes an $87.5 million settlement the diocese announced in 2022. - The settlement still requires approval from a bankruptcy court, and a state grand jury investigation is allowed to proceed. Summary: The agreement represents a legal resolution of hundreds of claims and follows the diocese's bankruptcy filing after changes to state law. The settlement must be approved by a bankruptcy court, and the state grand jury probe is now able to move forward.