Archdiocese reaches settlement in abuse case

In an effort to help the victim of abuse by a former priest 34 years ago continue his healing process, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis has reached an amicable settlement in a lawsuit filed in 2005 by “John Doe CT.”

The settlement allows “John Doe CT,” whose name was not used in the lawsuit, to avoid the emotional distress and expense of a public trial.

“My hope and prayer is that this victim finds the healing and peace he seeks,” said Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein. “I apologize to this gentleman and anyone who has ever been harmed by any employee or volunteer who has served the Church in our archdiocese. A single case of abuse is unacceptable, and we are committed to doing everything possible to see that it never happens again.”

Under the settlement, “John Doe CT” will receive $199,000 from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis to allow him to continue to receive the support, care and treatment he requires. The settlement will be paid from an archdiocesan self-insurance fund.

The former priest for the archdiocese who was accused of abuse, Harry Monroe, was removed from ministry in 1984 by then-Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara. Monroe was permanently barred from presenting himself as a priest and performing any priestly duties or ministries.

Monroe, who was ordained in 1974, served at St. Monica, St. Andrew and the former St. Catherine parishes in Indianapolis. He also served at St. Patrick Parish in Terre Haute, St. Paul Parish in Tell City, St. Michael Parish in Cannelton and St. Pius V Parish in Troy.

There are currently 13 other lawsuits involving Monroe pending against the archdiocese. Although Monroe said in pre-trial testimony that he abused some minors, he was never prosecuted because the victims never reported the abuse to law enforcement authorities at the time. By the time the allegations of abuse were made known, the criminal and civil statute of limitations had expired.

The lawsuits involving Monroe were not filed until 2005 and after.

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis continues to respond to victims of sexual abuse with compassion and appropriate pastoral outreach. The archdiocese encourages anyone who has been abused or knows of any allegations of abuse to report it to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on behalf of the archdiocese, please contact the archdiocesan victim assistance coordinator at Archdiocese of Indianapolis, P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410, 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548.

More information about the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ sexual misconduct policy and information about how to report an abuse incident can be found online at www.archindy.org/abuse. †