Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth pays $775,000 to settle claims of alleged abuse

by PegNews wire

The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Wednesday reached a settlement agreement through mediation of claims brought against the Diocese by five persons who were allegedly abused by James Reilly, a priest of the Diocese, now deceased, and in one of the cases there was also alleged abuse by James Hanlon and Gerard Scholl, also priests of the Diocese, now deceased. The Diocese disclosed that the five cases settled for $775,000 the majority of which was covered by its insurance company.

Bishop Kevin Vann, in addressing the individuals, said he is deeply sorry for any sexual abuse the victims may have endured and suffered by Reilly, Hanlon, and Scholl. He further stated that such actions are a sin and a crime. The Bishop told victims that he prays that healing and reconciliation can be achieved in their lives.

Bishop Vann stresses that the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth will address any charge of abuse as quickly and as pastorally as possible.

"As the pastor of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth, I am committed to ensuring that the Diocese's policies are adhered to so we can prevent future tragedy such as that which has befallen the victims of abuse," he said.

The Diocese has been and is committed to being in compliance with the Charter's requirements in every audit conducted since their passage in 2002.

The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth asks that anyone who has either witnessed or has suffered sexual abuse by anyone who services the Church to come forward so that the individual and the Church can continue the healing process. To report abuse to the civil authorities, call the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (Child Protective Services) at 1-800-252-5400. To report abuse to the Diocese of Fort Worth call Judy Locke, the Victim Assistance Coordinator, at 817-560-2452, ext. 201 or e-mail her at jlocke@fwdioc.org. Persons also can call the sexual abuse hotline, 817-560-2452, ext. 900. Or call The Catholic Center 817-560-2452, ext. 102 and ask for the Chancellor, Father E. James Hart

Assignments of Reilly, Hanlon, and Scholl in the Diocese of Fort Worth

Reilly: St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Arlington, 1969 through 1987

Hanlon:

St. Michael's Catholic Church in Bedford, 1981 to 1983

Holy Family Catholic Church in Fort Worth, 1983 to 1986

St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in North Richland Hills, 1986 to 1987

St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Arlington, 1987 to 1988

St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth, 1988 to 1989

St. Rita's Catholic Church in Ranger, St. John's Catholic Church in Strawn, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Eastland and Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cisco, 1989

Scholl:

University of Denver graduate school, 1969 to 1970

University of Texas at Arlington campus minister, 1970 to 1982

College of Santa Fe, teacher, 1982 to 1985

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Keller, 1985 to 1995

Tribunal in Fort Worth, 1995 to 2002

Source: Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth