Camden Diocese announces $180 million settlement with clergy abuse survivors

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) — The Camden Diocese announced a $180 million settlement Tuesday with survivors of clergy sexual abuse, marking a significant development in a years-long legal process.

The settlement compensates more than 300 victims who have come forward over the years and requires the Diocese of Camden to disclose information about the history of sexual abuse within the diocese.

Survivor advocates said the agreement represents a critical step toward accountability and institutional change.

The diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020, beginning a process that culminated in the settlement announced this week.

“What all the survivors ultimately wanted was a statement from the diocese and the insurers about how serious this issue is, and I think that’s exactly what this represents,” said Stewart Ryan, a partner at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan LLP, who represents several survivors.

In a statement, Bishop Joseph Williams of the Camden Diocese said, in part, “For the survivors of South Jersey, this day is long overdue and represents a milestone in their journey toward restored justice and the healing and recognition they have long sought and deserve.”

Williams thanked survivors for coming forward and apologized for what they suffered, calling it a sin and a betrayal of the trust they placed in the church.

Ryan said the settlement brought emotional relief to those he represents, particularly survivors who served on committees during the bankruptcy process.

“I think the greatest emotional change for all of my clients, especially those on the committee, is feeling the burden of representing so many other individuals who have gone through similar experiences, then the relief of seeing this come to an end,” he said.

Beyond financial compensation, Ryan said the agreement requires the diocese to take steps aimed at transparency and prevention.

“The relief of seeing this come to an end and being able to not just get some measure of justice financially, but the accountability measures the diocese is now putting in place are important to make sure this abuse is preventive in the future,” he said.

The settlement is pending approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.