Merryfields speak about church lawsuit

Two brothers are speaking out, after reaching a settlement in a sex abuse lawsuit against the Green Bay Catholic Diocese.

Troy and Todd Merryfield sued the diocese for fraud, after they were molested by former priest John Feeney, in 1978.

They claim the diocese should have told parishioners at Saint Nicholas Church in Freedom, about Feeney's past sex abuse allegations.

The Merryfield's will receive $700,000. That's the same amount a jury awarded, in their first trial.  A judge threw out that verdict because of juror bias. 

Troy Merrifield says when they were negotiating a settlement, the brothers wanted some money, and the names of the 50 local priests that the diocese believes molested children, but church officials refused that offer.

Todd Merryfield says they agreed to the settlement at the urging of a judge in the case, who wanted to avoid a second trial.  He says they are also sick of fighting with the church.

Troy Merryfield says they wouldn't have sued the diocese if former Bishop David Zubik would have apologized for covering up for Feeney during a conversation in 1994, but he refused. 

The diocese released a statement today, apologizing for the abuse by Feeney, but not for the coverup.