DENVER — Attorneys and church officials say more than a dozen lawsuits against the Denver Archdiocese alleging sexual abuse by priests or cover-ups have been settled.
The 16 lawsuits involve allegations by 14 people who say they were sexually assaulted as children by three priests.
The archdiocese says all of the incidents occurred between 1954 and 1981. According to Denver church officials, the total paid for the 16 lawsuits and two pending additional claims is $5.2 million.
Attorneys say a dozen people were molested by Father Harold White, who worked in 11 parishes over 33 years.
One person was allegedly abused by Father Leonard Abercrombie, who was a parish priest and an Air Force and Veterans Administration chaplain.
The archdiocese says over the past three years, it has settled 37 lawsuits involving White and Abercrombie, along with an additional six claims for a total of $8.2 million. One case remains unresolved.
Attorneys say another victim was allegedly abused by Msgr. Lawrence St. Peter, who has not been publicly accused of child molestation previously.
All three of the priests are deceased.
“It is my hope that these settlements help the victims and their families to heal,” said Archbishop Charles Chaput at a news conference. “I’ve offered to meet personally with every victim.”
He said some people have responded to the request.
“We cannot undo the sins and failures of the past or the suffering they have caused … I would like to express the sadness all of us in the church feel that this has happened.”
