ST. LOUIS — The Archdiocese of St. Louis on Thursday reached a $1 million settlement with a man who alleged a former priest abused him when he was a boy in the 1990s.
The settlement is one of the largest settlements the Archdiocese has paid to a single victim in its history, and the second suit involving former priest Gary Wolken.
"We are hopeful that this settlement provides some measure of comfort for the victim and for his family," the Archdiocese said in a statement. "We continue to pray for all victims of sexual abuse, that they may find comfort and healing."
Wolken, 57, was previously convicted in 2002 and sentenced to 15 years in prison for first-degree sodomy of a boy over a period of three years. The archdiocese settled a $1.6 million civil abuse suit in that case in 2004.
Wolken was suspended by the archdiocese when sex abuse claims against him first came to light in 2002, and then-Cardinal Raymond Burke took action to permanently remove him from clergy, a lengthy process the Archdiocese said was completed in 2007.
But the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests alleged church leaders didn't do enough.
"Long ago, church staff knew Fr. Gary Wolken was a predator but did almost nothing to stop him and protect kids," SNAP Director David Clohessy said in a statement responding to the settlement. "I strongly suspect that had this case gone to trial, damning evidence of their corruption would have surfaced and that’s why they settled.
"I hope this survivor feels good knowing that he has reminded all St. Louisans that a dangerous serial predator still lives among us and that the archdiocese still does little to prevent heinous crimes against children."
An after-hours email sent to Wolken's attorney, J. Martin Hadican, was not immediately returned.
Anyone who wishes to report sexual abuse by any priest, deacon or Archdiocese employee can contact the Archdiocese's Office of Child and Youth Protection and make a report with the Missouri Division of Social Services Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-392-3738.
Full statement from the Archdiocese:
"Twenty years ago, after the allegations were made against Gary Wolken, he was suspended by the archdiocese. He later pled guilty to charges of sexual abuse of a minor that occurred in the 1990s and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. At the time, Cardinal Raymond Burke (Archbishop-emeritus of the Archdiocese of St. Louis) took action for the permanent removal of Wolken from the clergy, a process which was complete in 2007.
"In the Archdiocese of St. Louis, the protection of children and vulnerable adults is our highest priority. We are hopeful that this settlement provides some measure of comfort for the victim and for his family. We continue to pray for all victims of sexual abuse, that they may find comfort and healing. Please keep all those who are exploited in your prayers, especially children and vulnerable adults.
"Anyone who wishes to make a report of the sexual abuse of a minor by any priest, deacon or employee of the Archdiocese of St. Louis is encouraged to contact the archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection. Reports should also be made to the Missouri Division of Social Services Child Abuse Hotline at 800.392.3738."
Full statement from SNAP Director David Clohessy:
"Long ago, church staff knew Fr. Gary Wolken was a predator but did almost nothing to stop him and protect kids. I strongly suspect that had this case gone to trial, damning evidence of their corruption would have surfaced and that’s why they settled.
"I hope this survivor feels good knowing that he has reminded all St. Louisans that a dangerous serial predator still lives among us and that the archdiocese still does little to prevent heinous crimes against children.
"Now is the time for each and every current and former church member or staff to come forward if they have any information or suspicions about Wolken or any other priest, nun, seminarian, brother, monk, monsignor or bishop who may have abused kids or shielded abusers. Call independent sources of help, not church officials. Become part of the solution rather than continuing to be part of the problem.
