12/04/2004

By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS  / Associated Press

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane has reached settlements with five victims of sexual abuse by priests, Bishop William Skylstad announced Friday.

But the diocese still faces numerous lawsuits seeking millions of dollars in claims, and apparently still plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday.

Church officials issued a short statement about the settlements late Friday, but did not immediately return telephone calls seeking additional details.

There were no confidentiality agreements involved in the settlements, but the diocese elected not to reveal the names of the people involved.

The diocese said two of the settlements involved people who had filed lawsuits, while three involved people who had not filed lawsuits.

The settlements totaled $664,500.

"All of the settlements except for one, which was an uninsured claim from the late 1930s to the early 40s, were paid by insurance money," the diocese press release said.

Settlement of the uninsured claim involved a money payment and an agreement to pay for counseling for a designated period of time.

Skylstad, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has remained open to settling claims even after major talks with victims recently collapsed, the diocese said.

Prior to Friday's announcement, the Spokane Diocese faced 19 lawsuits involving 58 plaintiffs who have accused nine diocesan priests and two Jesuits of sexual abuse. Of those, five lawsuits and 28 sexual abuse claims involve former priest Patrick O'Donnell. Lawyers for O'Donnell's victims intend to ask for as much as $57 million in damages.

O'Donnell, 62, served as a priest in Spokane and Seattle until he was removed from ministry in 1986. He has acknowledged he sexually abused boys from the time he was in seminary.

Diocese officials have identified 150 potential claimants, Skylstad said.

The diocese has said the claims far exceed the total worth of the diocese, and that filing for bankruptcy protection would allow a federal bankruptcy judge to determine the amount each victim should receive and which assets would be used to pay claims.

Catholic dioceses in Portland, Ore., and Tucson, Ariz., previously filed for bankruptcy protection.

A bankruptcy filing suspends civil litigation. Lawyers for victims have accused Skylstad of using the threat of bankruptcy to try to force lower settlements with victims.

Skylstad has said the bankruptcy filing will protect the church's mission and ensure that all victims of priestly sexual abuse receive "fair, just and equitable" compensation.