Diocese Agrees to Pay $48 million to Abuse Victims

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- A federal bankruptcy judge says the Diocese of Spokane has agreed to pay at least $48 million to people molested by Roman Catholic priests.

The proposed settlement would be financed by $20 million from insurance carriers, $10 million from the diocese's 82 parishes and $18 million from the sale of the bishop's office building and other assets and contributions from other Catholic entities.

It's part of a reorganization plan to help the diocese emerge from bankruptcy, but must still be approved by victims and another bankruptcy judge. The Spokane diocese serves about 90,000 Catholics in eastern Washington.

©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.