Clergy Sex Abuse Scandals: A Bill of Over $1.5 Billion for the Los Angeles Archdiocese
A Grim Reality: Failures and Cover-Ups
Clergy sex abuse scandals have rocked Catholic churches across the world, but few have seen the financial toll of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. A record $880-million settlement with victims announced this week brings the total payout to over $1.5 billion.
Scale of the Problem
The Los Angeles Archdiocese, the largest in the nation with over 4 million members, has seen a staggering number of victims come forward. With a California law giving accusers more time to file suit, the number of allegations has risen to nearly 2,500. However, attorneys and experts believe the true figure may be much higher.
Cover-Ups and Shuffling of Abusers
Attorneys have accused the church of failing to identify and prevent the abuse of hundreds of priests. Instead, many were shuffled between parishes, often in immigrant neighborhoods where the abuse could continue. This culture of secrecy and lack of transparency has allowed the abuse to go unchecked, with devastating consequences for victims.
Examples of Wrongdoing
The Los Angeles Archdiocese’s failures have been exemplified by the cases of Msgr. Benjamin Hawkes and Father Michael Baker. Hawkes, a well-known leader, was accused of abuse after his death. Baker, one of the church’s most prolific abusers, was accused of molesting at least 40 boys during his decades in the priesthood. The church’s own records have revealed an orchestrated conspiracy to prevent authorities from learning of criminal behavior.
Lack of Accountability
Cardinal Roger Mahony, the architect of the archdiocese’s response to the abuse, has been criticized for his handling of the crisis. His legacy was destroyed after it was revealed that he supervised the reassignment of numerous priests who admitted to or were accused of molesting young children. His successor, Archbishop Jose Gomez, temporarily relieved Mahony of all public duties over his mishandling of the sex abuse scandal.
A Call for Change
The sheer scale of the abuse and cover-ups demands a fundamental shift in the way the church addresses these issues. Christine advocates for survivors of sexual abuse and Priests for Life have called for the mandatory reporting of abuse to law enforcement and the defrocking of abusers.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Archdiocese’s $1.5 billion payout is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of clergy sex abuse. It is our hope that this settlement will bring some measure of justice to the victims and that it will prompt the church to reform and put an end to the culture of secrecy and cover-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the total payout for the Los Angeles Archdiocese’s sex abuse cases?
A: Over $1.5 billion
Q: How many allegations of abuse have been made against the Los Angeles Archdiocese?
A: Nearly 2,500
Q: Who is responsible for the cover-ups and failures in addressing the abuse?
A: Cardinal Roger Mahony and other church leaders are accused of being at the center of the cover-ups and failures in addressing the abuse.
Q: What reforms are needed to address sexual abuse in the church?
A: Mandatory reporting to law enforcement, defrocking of abusers, and transparency in reporting and handling of abuse allegations are among the key reforms needed.
