Settlement Reached in Archdiocese of Los Angeles Clergy Abuse Cases
In what marks a significant conclusion in a longstanding legal battle, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to a monumental $880 million settlement to be paid to victims of clergy sexual abuse, spanning several decades. This settlement represents the largest financial resolve involving the Catholic Church and follows years of tireless negotiations on behalf of the 1,353 individuals affected by local priests.
The settlement marks the end of 25 years of litigation against the country’s most heavily populated archdiocese. According to attorneys representing the victims, this agreement significantly reduces the number of outstanding lawsuits against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Previously, the archdiocese had settled various lawsuits to the tune of $740 million and had committed to enhancing protections for church members, bringing the cumulative compensation to over $1.5 billion.
“These survivors have endured unbelievable suffering for decades. Many survivors have passed away, and numerous involved in these cases are aging. Resolving these claims was long overdue,” stated attorney Morgan Stewart, who spearheaded the settlement talks.
Attorney Mike Reck of Jeff Anderson & Associates emphasized the importance of this settlement: “While full justice can never be achieved, this represents a significant measure of justice. These courageous survivors have taken action to safeguard children in the future.”
Support and Acknowledgements from the Archdiocese
Archbishop José H. Gomez endorsed the settlement, which will be covered through investments, reserves, bank financing, and various archdiocese assets. Other religious orders named in the lawsuits will also contribute to the financial obligations. “I deeply apologize for each of these events,” Gomez expressed in a statement to parish members. “It is my hope that this settlement provides healing to those who have suffered.” He also highlighted the balance between compensating the victims and ensuring the archdiocese’s continued ministry capabilities.
Gomez noted the implementation of stringent background checks and reporting requirements, as well as comprehensive training programs for staff and volunteers aimed at safeguarding young individuals. “Current cases of sexual misconduct involving minors in our archdiocese are rare, and no individual with a history of harming minors is active in ministry. We pledge to remain vigilant,” Gomez asserted.
Historical Context of Abuse Allegations
The church has grappled with accusations over the years concerning its leaders’ management of abuse claims. Investigations revealed that more than 300 priests within the Los Angeles archdiocese have been accused of child sexual abuse, with some priests being relocated rather than removed from clerical duties. Cardinal Roger Mahony, Gomez’s predecessor, was a central figure in these allegations, with documents in 2013 unveiling his efforts to withhold information on child molestation incidents from law enforcement authorities.
Attorney Stewart noted, “Cardinal Mahony is a focal point of many of these allegations. His decisions to cover up have led to continued suffering for more children.” Furthermore, the settlement will require the archdiocese to release further documentation that records priest abuse cases.
Notable Cases Within the Settlement
Among those named in the settled cases, Father Michael Baker stands out due to the number of victims. Despite confessing to Mahony about his abusive tendencies in 1986, Baker was permitted to return to ministry after therapy and is alleged to have abused over 40 children throughout his clerical career.
In 2009, a federal grand jury investigated Mahony and the archdiocese concerning their management of abuse claims; however, no criminal indictments resulted. Nonetheless, civil court proceedings revealed the lengths to which the archdiocese went to prevent abuse notifications from reaching police authorities. Documents written by Mahony and Monsignor Thomas J. Curry in the late 1980s reflect an active effort to conceal child molestation from law enforcement.
Another significant figure was George Neville Rucker, a priest accused of molesting numerous girls from the late 1940s until the 1980s. Rucker faced 29 charges in 2002, but proceedings were halted in 2003 following a U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding the statute of limitations. In 1991, Rucker attributed his misconduct to medication and divine will, according to a letter documented by the archdiocese.
Impact of Legislative Changes and Financial Challenges
In 2019, California law amendments extended the timeframe for filing childhood sexual abuse lawsuits, prompting new wave of legal actions against the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Financial burdens from settlements are felt nationwide, with various dioceses selling properties or using insurance to cover claims; some dioceses, including those in San Diego, Oakland, and San Francisco, have filed for bankruptcy.
The Los Angeles Archdiocese previously reached a record $8 million settlement with an individual abused by a school coach, the largest single settlement in a sex abuse case. The coaching staff’s actions allegedly went unnoticed despite concerns being raised.
This narrative originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.