Catholic Archdiocese of L.A. to pay $880 million
in childhood sex abuse claims
(KTLA) – A landmark settlement has been reached with the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles to settle more than 1,300 claims of childhood sexual abuse and assault.
The agreement calls for the church to pay $880 million to settle 1,354 childhood sexual abuse claims filed against the Archdiocese, according to a news release from attorneys representing the plaintiffs.
Ex-Catholic priest in Los Angeles to be sentenced for possession of child pornography
The massive settlement, some of which was made possible by the enactment of California Assembly Bill 218 that provided a three-year window to revive civil claims of past sexual abuse of minors, is the largest single child sex abuse settlement with the Catholic archdiocese.
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez shared an open letter to the members of the archdiocese, informing them of the settlement and apologizing for the actions of past clergy members.
“I am sorry for every one of these incidents, from the bottom of my heart,” Gomez wrote, in part. “My hope is that this settlement will provide some measure of healing for what these men and women have suffered.”
The Archdiocese of L.A. previously settled some 500 claims of sexual abuse of minors for $660 million in 2007.
“The massive amount of this settlement reflects the amount of grievous harm done to vulnerable children and the decades of neglect, complicity and cover-up by the Archdiocese which allowed known serial predators to inflict this harm,” said Morgan A. Stewart, an attorney for the victims. “I encourage other religious institutions within the Catholic Church to meet their responsibilities and take accountability.”
One would think that if they had any kind of personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that the care of child victims from the sins of the priests would be their primary concern. It seems the finances of the church are their paramount interest.
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. Malachi 3:10
How does one interpret this verse when the tithe, instead of bringing food into the storehouse, is paying for the sins of the storekeeper?
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Catholic Diocese of Springfield, MO, accused
in federal lawsuit of concealing child sex abuse
In a federal lawsuit filed by 11 individuals, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau and its Bishop Edward Rice in his official capacity are accused of enabling and concealing sexual abuse of minors by employees that took place over decades.
Filed Sept. 12 in U.S. District Court's Western District of Missouri, the lawsuit demands $75 million for the victims, who allege they experienced sexual abuse in the 1980s and 1990s. The lawsuit names seven different priests and clergy, only one of whom appears on the diocese's published list of clergy with allegations of abuse, which was last updated September 2023.
"The Diocese and Bishop did not act in any manner to protect the young children of its parishes, churches, community, and other organizations within its (area of operation)," the complaint filed in court reads. "To the contrary, the Bishop and Diocese engaged in several decades of intentional misconduct in turning a blind eye to the sexual abuse of its priests and other employees."
In a statement issued Sept. 16, the diocese said it takes these allegations seriously and will make no further comment to respect the process of the courts. The diocese has a Safe Environment Policy and Procedures in place that it said it aimed at protecting children and reconciling with those harmed by the church.
"As a precaution, all clergy, employees, and volunteers, who are accused of abuse or misconduct involving minors or vulnerable adults, may be placed on temporary administrative leave by the Diocese," the statement read. "The presumption of innocence, which is also set out in the Charter, should be accorded to those who are presently accused."
The lawsuit also accuses the diocese and bishop of fraud by publicly representing clergy as "men of excellent character" while knowing of the sexual abuse occurring. According to court documents, the lawsuit claims that the diocese had a practice of moving perpetrating priests around to avoid penalties and sending priests who had abused children to the Servants of the Paraclete or other treatment facilities for perpetrating and sexually deviant priests before returning them to ministry.
Additionally, the lawsuit claims the diocese and bishop failed or refused to take reports by parishioners and employees of the abusers even after the website was created encouraging allegations of sexual abuse to be brought forth. Rice has served as the diocese's bishop since 2016.
The lawsuit recounts alleged abuse of children as young as 5 years old at churches in Springfield, Kimberling City, Poplar Bluff, Malden, Neosho, Advance, Joplin and Carthage.
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According to lawsuit documents, plaintiffs' accounts of abuse include clergy members kissing, fondling, sodomizing, raping and forcing children to have sex with each other. In some instances, children allegedly were given wine before being abused.
All 11 plaintiffs, three of whom are female, are represented by attorney Rebecca Randles of Kansas City, who has represented numerous other victims of childhood abuse particularly at Circle of Hope Girls' Ranch and Boarding School.
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