BishopAccountability.org
	Parishioner Anger Understandable: Bishop CBC News [Canada] May 10, 2005 PORT AU PORT PENINSULA - The bishop for the diocese of St. George's says he knows parishioners will be displeased with a settlement that could involve the mass sale of churches and other buildings. The Roman Catholic diocese has reached a tentative deal with lawyers representing men who were molested by Father Kevin Bennett decades ago. The deal, which would see $13 million in compensation paid to Bennett's 36 victims, would necessitate the sale of churches, as well as land, halls and residences.!Douglas Crosby "People will be angry, people will be upset, people will be discouraged, people will be disheartened, people will quit," says Bishop Douglas Crosby. "But I also think people in some places people will be relieved that this process is now underway." The church is asking parishioners to continue donations while it comes to terms with meeting the compensation demands. Jenny Fenwick Many of the properties were built with volunteer labour, and on donated land. Jenny Fenwick, a devout parishioner in the diocese, does not question that the diocese ought to compensate Bennett's victims. However, she said the ordeal has sparked a strong response. "There's a lot of anger, and it's directed in all directions," says Fenwick. "A lot of people are angry at Kevin Bennett, and that's an anger that's been there for some time. But it can't all be laid on his shoulders, because there were people apparently who knew what was going on and did nothing." Lawyer questions feasibility of sales Bennett was convicted in 1990 of sexually abusing 36 boys while he worked in the diocese, largely in communities on the island's south coast. Greg Stack Two additional victims of Bennett are now involved in the compensation plan, as is a man who was abused by another priest. A compensation deal, however, dragged on through the courts for years. "If a settlement had been reached out of court, years ago, it probably would have been much for less," says Greg Stack, who represents most of the men involved in the case. "The church brought it on itself, to make these amounts higher." Stack questions whether a plan that requires divesting so many properties is feasible. Meanwhile, the diocese will attempt to persuade its insurance company to cover part of the compensation package, and will ask for assistance from other dioceses. "The church brought it on itself, to make these amounts higher." Stack questions whether a plan that requires divesting so many properties is feasible. Meanwhile, the diocese will attempt to persuade its insurance company to cover part of the compensation package, and will ask for assistance from other dioceses.