The Diocese of Wilmington, Del., will eliminate 19 full-time and three part-time positions as it cuts operating expenses and prepares to pay more than US$77.4 million to survivors of sexual abuse by priests.

The diocese announced the cuts in a letter from Bishop Francis Malooly accompanied by a list of positions to be eliminated.

The diocese will also stop publishing its newspaper, The Dialog, and will let go the paper's staff of seven full-time employees and one contract staff member.

Other staff reductions will come in the offices of the chancery, Hispanic ministry, human resources, religious education and marriage tribunal.