The Los Angeles Archdiocese agrees to pay $880 million to settle over 1,300 child sex abuse claims, marking the largest single settlement of its kind in Catholic Church history.
At a Glance
- Settlement resolves 1,354 child sex abuse claims against the Los Angeles Archdiocese
- $880 million payout is the largest single settlement with a Catholic archdiocese
- Claims filed under California Assembly Bill 218, which lifted statute of limitations
- Total paid by archdiocese for sex abuse cases now reaches $1.5 billion over 20 years
- Archdiocese to finance settlement using reserves, investments, loans, and other assets
Unprecedented Settlement Reached
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to an $880 million settlement to resolve 1,354 child sex abuse claims. This landmark decision represents the largest single settlement with a Catholic archdiocese in history, surpassing the archdiocese’s previous $660 million settlement in 2007. The claims were filed under California Assembly Bill 218, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for past sexual abuse claims involving minors.
The settlement reflects the extensive harm and neglect by the Archdiocese, as emphasized by victims’ attorney Morgan A. Stewart. Archbishop José H. Gomez expressed sorrow for the victims and hope for their healing. This agreement aims to provide compensation to survivors while allowing the Archdiocese to continue its ministries and operations.
Financial Implications and Funding
The $880 million settlement significantly increases the total amount paid by the archdiocese for sex abuse cases to approximately $1.5 billion over the past two decades. To finance this massive payout, the Archdiocese’s administrative office will utilize reserves, investments, loans, and other assets. Importantly, the archdiocese has stated that it will not use designated donations to parishes or schools to fund the settlement.
Legal Context and Impact
The lawsuits settled in this agreement were filed under California Assembly Bill 218, passed in 2019. This legislation opened a three-year window for victims of childhood sexual abuse to file claims, regardless of when the abuse occurred. The bill’s passage led to a surge in lawsuits against various institutions, with the Catholic Church facing a significant portion of these claims.
This settlement underscores the ongoing reckoning within the Catholic Church regarding historical abuse cases. It represents a pivotal moment in the Church’s efforts to address past transgressions and provide some measure of justice to survivors. The scale of the settlement also serves as a stark reminder of the widespread nature of clergy abuse and the long-lasting impact on victims.
Continuing Efforts for Accountability and Healing
While the settlement marks a significant step towards accountability, it also highlights the ongoing need for transparency and reform within religious institutions. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles, like many others across the country, continues to grapple with the fallout from decades of abuse and cover-ups. This agreement, while substantial, is part of a larger process of acknowledgment, reconciliation, and institutional change.
As the Church moves forward, the focus remains on preventing future abuse, supporting survivors, and rebuilding trust within communities. The settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the ongoing responsibility of institutions to protect the vulnerable and hold wrongdoers accountable.
Sources:
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2024/10/16/archdiocese-los-angeles-settlement/
- https://angelusnews.com/local/la-catholics/ab218-abuse-settlement/
- https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/archdiocese-of-la-child-sex-abuse-settlement/3537628/?os=vblhpdr7hy&ref=app
- https://www.dailynews.com/2024/10/16/la-archdiocese-will-pay-880-million-more-to-settle-childhood-sex-abuse-claims/
- https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/16/us/archidiocese-los-angeles-abuse-settlement.html
- https://www.aol.com/news/archdiocese-los-angeles-agrees-pay-062620279.html
- https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/la-archdiocese-880m-settlement-childhood-sex-abuse-claims/509-bba10e0f-ca23-40b0-9bb9-bb0948b27785
- https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/catholic-archdiocese-of-la-agrees-to-880-million-settlement-over-hundreds-of-sex-abuse-claims/
- https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-10-16/archdiocese-of-los-angeles-to-pay-880-million-in-the-largest-clergy-sexual-abuse-settlement
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