The Catholic Diocese of Providence has paid out more than $21-million dollars in legal settlements and resolved more than 130 claims of sexual abuse by clergy.
The disclosure was part of testimony the Diocese provided to lawmakers, as they seek to extend the statute of limitations for bringing civil suits against people for sexual abuse of a minor.
The testimony from the Diocese did not specify the time period during which these actions took place.
The Catholic Church has been mired in accusations that it has done little to stem such abuse by clergy. It was just the subject of a three-day Summit in at the Vatican convened by the Pope.
In Rhode Island, the Providence Diocese says it has been robust in its action to stop abuse and hand allegations to the authorities. However the Diocese believes the new proposal, to extend the statute of limitations to 35-years after a victim turns 18 is too long, and is seeking a smaller extension.
According to a spokesperson for the Diocese a list of clergy accused of abuse will be forthcoming this year.
