“The easier path for abuse victims is to secretly approach top church staff seeking well-deserved financial restitution. John chose the harder path — publicly exposing wrongdoing and inspiring others to do the same. We are grateful for his courage and compassion.”

The two lawsuits had sought an admission of guilt from the various church officials who had kept hidden hundreds of sex crimes against children. In particular, they sought a formal apology for the crimes perpetrated by Father George St. Jean in the 1960s and 1970s.