Maine Survivors of Clergy Abuse Reach Settlement with Portland Diocese for Closure and Compensation

Survivors of clergy abuse have reached a settlement with the Roman Catholic Bishop of Portland, marking a significant step toward closure and compensation. This development comes after years of suffering and the courage of survivors who chose to share their stories of abuse by Catholic priests in Maine.

Among the survivors is Keith Amato, who endured abuse at the hands of a priest at St. Bruno Parish in Van Buren when he was just six years old. The abuse had long-lasting effects, contributing to his struggles with addiction and homelessness. Now sober, Amato has chosen to speak out, seeking not financial gain but acknowledgment and an apology. “It hits you when you remember, and that’s really overwhelming,” he shared, reflecting on the painful memories that resurfaced in his 30s.

The legal representatives of the survivors, Timothy Kenlan and Kristin Murray-James, emphasize the profound impact of such violations. “Those wounds were caused when that child’s power, control, and autonomy were violated by those we are supposed to trust the most,” Kenlan stated, underscoring the betrayal of trust involved.

The settlement involves seven survivors, although a total of 42 are part of the broader agreement. The financial terms remain undisclosed, but the settlement represents a crucial acknowledgment of the harm suffered. Maine’s legal framework has evolved to remove the statute of limitations for civil child sexual abuse claims, although a recent court decision means that some older claims cannot be reopened.

For many survivors, the settlement is not about the financial aspect but about seeking justice and accountability. As Murray-James read a statement from the wife of Timothy Guidry, another survivor, she called for justice and accountability for those who abuse children and the institutions that prioritize their reputation over the well-being of children.

In a statement, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Portland, James Ruggieri, acknowledged the settlement, reflecting on the need for the Church to address such serious issues with transparency and accountability. This settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and the need for institutions to uphold the values of truth, mercy, and care for victims, aligning with the biblical call to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

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