Camden Diocese agrees to 0 million settlement with survivors of sexual abuse.

The Diocese of Camden has reached a tentative agreement to provide 0 million to more than 300 individuals who have claimed sexual abuse by clergy members. This settlement, announced jointly by representatives of the diocese and attorneys for the survivors, is pending approval from a federal judge. If sanctioned, it would mark one of the largest sex-abuse settlements involving the Roman Catholic Church in the history of the United States.

Previously, the diocese had settled claims related to clergy abuse in South Jersey for .5 million. However, the current agreement is designed to supplement that initial settlement. It encompasses contributions from various church affiliates and insurance companies that had not yet resolved their involvement in the ongoing legal matters.

The settlement is subject to the approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. According to Camden Bishop Joseph A. Williams, the funds will be allocated to address all claims of abuse once the agreement receives legal endorsement. Williams described the proposed resolution as “long overdue” and expressed gratitude to the survivors for their courage in coming forward. He articulated profound remorse for the suffering they have endured.

Greg Gianforcaro, representing the plaintiffs, emphasized that this moment represents a significant measure of accountability for the survivors, who for decades faced dismissal and neglect regarding their claims. The advocacy efforts surrounding these cases have aimed to ensure recognition and redress for the injustices suffered by numerous individuals.

This agreement emerges as part of a broader narrative surrounding the diocese, which serves nearly half a million Catholics across several counties in New Jersey, including Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem. The diocese filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020 following the passage of a state law that extended the statute of limitations for sex-abuse claims, which led to an influx of lawsuits, some based on allegations dating back several decades.

In recent years, advocates accused the diocese of attempting to circumvent accountability for its historical actions. There was significant frustration when allegations arose that the diocese was secretly opposing a state attorney general’s initiative to form a grand jury tasked with investigating decades-long clergy abuse cases statewide.

Under the leadership of Bishop Williams, who assumed his role in the spring of 2024, the diocese has allegedly committed to cooperating with law enforcement to facilitate comprehensive investigations into these serious matters. The bankruptcy case itself has faced ongoing litigation since the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved a reorganization plan in 2024, which aimed to address survivor claims but initially excluded contributions from certain insurance entities.

The latest agreement, if ultimately validated by the court, is expected to resolve lingering disputes and represents what many advocates see as a crucial step towards addressing the systemic issues tied to clergy abuse. Attorney Trusha Goffe remarked that this achievement is a testament to the survivors, whose relentless pursuit of justice is commendable. Bishop Williams reiterated his sorrow for the victims’ experiences, emphasizing the church’s commitment to ensuring a more accountable and transparent future as it seeks to rebuild trust with the community it serves.

This settlement highlights the ongoing struggles and resilience of survivors seeking recognition and justice within a system long criticized for its handling of abuse allegations. As the case moves forward, many eyes remain on the diocese and its efforts to heal and reform in the wake of this scandal.