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New Jersey Catholic Diocese Agrees to $180M Settlement for Clergy Abuse Survivors
The settlement surpasses earlier deals in Boston and Philadelphia but is smaller than the $880 million agreement reached by the Los Angeles Archdiocese.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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The Diocese of Camden in New Jersey has agreed to pay $180 million to settle clergy sexual abuse claims involving hundreds of survivors, closing a long and contentious chapter in the state's reckoning with church abuse. The settlement, which must still be approved by a bankruptcy court, surpasses earlier agreements in Boston and Philadelphia but remains smaller than the $880 million deal reached by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2024.
Why it matters
The Camden Diocese settlement represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to provide justice and healing for survivors of clergy abuse in New Jersey. It underscores the growing financial toll on Catholic dioceses across the country as they face a wave of lawsuits stemming from relaxed statutes of limitations that have allowed more victims to come forward.
The details
The $180 million settlement involves around 300 survivors who brought claims against the Diocese of Camden, which serves six counties in southern New Jersey. In 2022, the diocese had previously agreed to pay $87.5 million to roughly 300 accusers. The newly announced $180 million total includes those earlier funds. The agreement must still receive approval from a bankruptcy court.
- In 2022, the Diocese of Camden agreed to pay $87.5 million in a previous settlement involving roughly 300 accusers.
- In 2026, the Diocese of Camden announced a new $180 million settlement to resolve clergy sexual abuse claims.
The players
Diocese of Camden
A Catholic diocese in New Jersey that serves six counties in the southern part of the state.
Bishop Joseph Williams
The current bishop of the Diocese of Camden who announced the $180 million settlement agreement.
Greg Gianforcaro
An attorney who represents victims in the case and credited the survivors' persistence in reaching the agreement.
What they’re saying
“For the survivors of South Jersey, this day is long overdue. It 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 (Diocese of Camden)
“It's been an extremely long and arduous battle.”
— Greg Gianforcaro, Attorney representing victims (The Associated Press)
What’s next
The $180 million settlement agreement must still receive approval from a bankruptcy court before it can be finalized.
The takeaway
The Diocese of Camden's $180 million settlement with clergy abuse survivors is a significant development in New Jersey's ongoing efforts to provide justice and healing for victims. While it surpasses earlier agreements in Boston and Philadelphia, it remains smaller than the record-setting $880 million deal reached by the Los Angeles Archdiocese, underscoring the continued financial toll on Catholic dioceses nationwide as they face a wave of lawsuits stemming from relaxed statutes of limitations.
