The Unification Church reached settlements with three former followers on October 2, agreeing to pay them more than 50 million yen combined in compensation.

These are the first settlements reached in a group mediation involving about 190 former members and others seeking damages totaling more than 5.9 billion yen.

Lawyers from across Japan for the Victims of the Unification Church said the three former followers are women in their 80s.

The lawyers’ group said the development opens the possibility of relief for many other victims.

The religious organization, formally known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, has been under public scrutiny for soliciting large donations from its followers.

Church officials said negotiations were difficult because the lawyers were seeking a collective resolution for the entire group.

They added that they will work more proactively toward resolving the matter early.