New Jersey Catholic Diocese Agrees to $180 Million Clergy Abuse Settlement

The Diocese of Camden will pay the record-setting amount to resolve allegations of sexual abuse by clergy members.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Diocese of Camden, New Jersey has agreed to a $180 million settlement to resolve allegations of clergy sexual abuse, a figure far exceeding agreements in some large dioceses but still dwarfed by other massive settlements. Bishop Joseph Williams announced the settlement, stating it represents a milestone in the survivors' journey toward justice and healing. The settlement comes less than a year after the diocese withdrew its objection to a state grand jury investigation into decades of alleged abuse.

Why it matters

This settlement is the latest in the ongoing clergy abuse scandal that has rocked the Catholic Church for over two decades. The large payout by the Diocese of Camden highlights the scale of the abuse and the church's efforts to cover it up. The case also underscores the importance of state investigations and survivor advocacy in holding the church accountable.

The details

Under the settlement, the Diocese of Camden will pay $180 million to around 300 survivors of clergy sexual abuse. This exceeds the roughly $80 million settlements in Boston and Philadelphia, though settlements in California have ranged much higher, such as the $880 million payment by the Los Angeles Archdiocese in 2024. The Camden diocese previously agreed to pay $87.5 million in 2022 to settle allegations involving clergy sex abuse against some 300 accusers.

  • The settlement was announced on February 18, 2026.
  • In 2022, the Diocese of Camden agreed to pay $87.5 million to settle allegations involving clergy sex abuse against some 300 accusers.

The players

Diocese of Camden

A Catholic diocese covering six southern New Jersey counties outside Philadelphia.

Bishop Joseph Williams

The current bishop of the Diocese of Camden who announced the $180 million settlement.

Mark Crawford

The state director of the Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests, who praised the bishop for listening to survivors and pledging transparency.

Greg Gianforcaro

One of the attorneys representing victims suing the diocese, who credited survivors' persistence in reaching the agreement.

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What they’re saying

“For the survivors of South Jersey, this day is long overdue and represents a milestone in their journey toward restored justice and the healing and recognition they have long sought and deserve.”

— Bishop Joseph Williams, Bishop of the Diocese of Camden (wbal.com)

“This settlement and this bishop have acted very differently. I hope it sends a message that this is possible, that this is right.”

— Mark Crawford, State Director, Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests (wbal.com)

“It's been an extremely long and arduous battle.”

— Greg Gianforcaro, Attorney representing victims (wbal.com)

What’s next

The settlement agreement must still be approved by a bankruptcy court.

The takeaway

This record-setting settlement by the Diocese of Camden underscores the scale of the clergy abuse scandal and the importance of state investigations and survivor advocacy in holding the Catholic Church accountable. The case serves as a reminder that the church still has a long way to go in providing justice and healing for victims.