OK, as a non-RC I probably should be as quiet as that Milwaukee Catholic cemetery. But I respectfully disagree with the two stated objections to Card. Dolan's program. My view is also influenced by legal training and background. Let me add, I hold NO brief for your prelates and how this horror has been handled by your church or in fewer instances, my own church.

Confidentiality in settlements, while not the norm in all litigation, is hardly extraordinary, particularly in sexual abuse cases.  Many victims sue as Jane or John Does and their names and details are never disclosed. It also occurs in product/drug liability cases for other reasons, and in domestic (divorce, etc.) litigation. A settlement of a legal claim necessarily involves the alleged wrongdoer getting a release before payment, of all pending claims and waiving any further legal actions by the releasor against the releasee based upon such claims. That is standard legal procedure, and if an insurer is paying, it's mandatory