A New Jersey Catholic diocese will pay $180 million to settle over 300 historical sexual abuse claims, marking a major step in a long-running US church scandal.

CAMDEN: The Diocese of Camden has agreed to pay $180 million to settle hundreds of sexual abuse lawsuits.

Bishop Joseph A. Williams announced the bankruptcy settlement this week, which will cover more than 300 survivors of abuse committed by priests in the 1970s and 1980s.

The settlement establishes a trust funded by the diocese and its insurers. The plan is pending approval in bankruptcy court.

“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 wrote to parishioners.

He thanked survivors for their courage in coming forward. The agreement supplements a 2022 settlement where the diocese paid $87.5 million for related claims.

“I am profoundly sorry for what you have suffered. It was a grave sin and a devastating betrayal of the trust you placed in the Church that you loved,” Williams wrote.

The US Catholic Church has faced years of abuse accusations and revelations. Between 1950 and 2016, it received 18,500 complaints against 6,700 clergy members.

Several senior US church members have been forced to resign for protecting abusive priests.

 The Sun Malaysia