Clergy in St Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese and Winona diocese will also have to testify that they have committed no abuse themselves.

An agreement was reached involving the two Church bodies and the law firm of prominent abuse litigator Jeff Anderson.

Among the non-financial stipulations are reporting of abuse accusations to police, and the dioceses not starting canonical cases until given the green light by police.

When canonical hearings determining clerical status in a case of substantiated abuse are concluded, documents also have to be disclosed.

Mr Anderson said the new plan, which has many similar provisions, honours survivors and protects children.

The financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

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