Church Rejects Tentative Deal On Boston Suit. (cover story)

CHILD sexual abuse by clergy; CATHOLIC dioceses; CATHOLIC Church; SEXUAL abuse victims; PRIESTS' sexual behavior; ACTIONS & defenses (Law)

MASSACHUSETTS; BOSTON (Mass.); UNITED States

Reports that the Archdiocese of Boston backed out of a multimillion-dollar settlement with people who claim they were abused by former Roman Catholic priest John J. Geoghan. Argument that there was not enough money to pay them and compensate others who have accused Boston priests of sexual abuse; Comments of David W. Smith, chancellor for the archdiocese, and Michael Garabedian, lawyer for the plaintiffs; Reactions of abuse victims.