January 5, 2007
Statement by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. on the successful mediation of 15 settlements
Last May, I announced a mediation program that I hoped would begin a healing process for individuals who filed lawsuits against the Archdiocese of Denver claiming childhood sexual abuse by two priests.
Today, I am pleased to report that of the 19 individuals who elected to participate in this mediation process, 15 have found sufficient comfort in this outreach program to settle their cases. I am deeply grateful for the work of the independent mediation panel and I sincerely hope that each of the 19 individuals who participated begin to truly heal.
The independent mediation panel was led by the Honorable Richard Dana of the Judicial Arbiter Group in conjunction with two other panel members, Chief Heather Coogan, Chief of the Auraria Campus Police Department and John Dahlberg, a certified rehabilitation specialist who for over 30 years has helped others overcome severe life and health traumas. The panel met with each individual who voluntarily participated and evaluated their cases.
I made myself available personally to listen to each person who desired my presence as they described the incidents that led to the filing of their lawsuits. Through this process, I personally met with 18 plaintiffs. I offered to each of them my sincere apology for their pain and have prayed in hope for their healing.
In addition to the 15 settlements reached through the mediation panel, I am also pleased to report that we have settled claims of three other individuals who approached us directly and who did not file a lawsuit to have their claims considered.
Even though the childhood sexual abuse described in these lawsuits occurred decades ago, we take seriously any allegation of sexual abuse, regardless of how old the claim. We deeply regret the suffering of any individual who has suffered childhood sexual abuse and we have a sincere desire to help any victim heal. We believe this successful mediation program further exemplifies our commitment to address this very serious issue.
I have asked the mediation outreach panel to remain available to any other plaintiffs who may wish to have their claims evaluated by this panel. I will continue to remain available to anyone who desires to discuss with me their own personal situation. We will continue to try to be proactive, both spiritually and otherwise, to help anyone who has ever been hurt during his or her childhood by any member of our clergy. The Church will always remain open and receptive to a just resolution of such claims. We are committed to that now and in the future.
+ Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Archbishop of Denver
