Settlement Reached in Duluth Diocese Church Abuse Cases

DULUTH (AP) -- The Diocese of Duluth has reached a settlement with dozens of people who say they were abused as children by its priests.

The attorney for 125 claimants in the diocese's bankruptcy case, Jeff Anderson, says the agreement requires the diocese to pay them $40 million. The settlement also requires the diocese to release the files of 37 priests that it has classified as credibly accused.

The diocese filed for bankruptcy in 2015. Anderson says once the diocese's reorganization plan is approved in bankruptcy court, the 125 claimants will formally vote on the plan. A claims reviewer will determine how much each claimant will be paid.

The settlement requires the diocese, its parishes and other Catholic entities to pay $10 million. The rest will be funded by its insurance carriers.