Boston Archdiocese Reports Deal with Lumbermens Mutual in Sex Abuse Case

The Archdiocese of Boston on Tuesday announced that it has reached a settlement in the case against one of its former insurance carriers, Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company, over sexual abuse claims against clergy.

As a result of the settlement, the church’s case against Lumbermens, pending in federal district court in Boston, has been dismissed by joint stipulation of the parties.

While church officials did not reveal the amount of the settlement, The Boston Globe, citing people familiar with the agreement, reported it to be $20 million.The settlement was reached as a result of a mediation before Paul A. Finn of Commonwealth Mediation and Conciliation Inc.

The Archdiocese of Boston filed suit against Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company in March 2004, shortly after the Archdiocese concluded the global settlement of some 541 sexual abuse claims for a reported $85 million.

“We are pleased to have this matter resolved,” stated Rev. John Connolly, Special Assistant to the Archbishop. “We are hopeful that, in the near future, we will be in a position to begin discussions about how to resolve pending cases.”

Negotiations with another insurer, identified as Travelers, are still ongoing.