The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has made history with a $880 million settlement over 1,354 child sex abuse claims, marking the largest single child sex abuse settlement with a Catholic archdiocese. The agreements were made possible through California Assembly Bill 218, which lifted the statute of limitations and allowed for a three-year window to revive civil claims of past sexual abuse involving minors. This settlement covers remaining claims filed against the Archdiocese since the bill was passed in 2019.
Morgan A. Stewart, an attorney for the victims, emphasized the significant harm done to vulnerable children over decades of neglect, complicity, and cover-up within the Archdiocese, which enabled known serial predators to commit these abuses. Stewart called on other religious institutions within the Catholic Church to meet their responsibilities and take accountability for similar issues. In response, Archbishop José H. Gomez expressed his regret for the incidents and hoped that the settlement would bring some healing to the survivors. He also stated that the settlement aims to provide compensation to the survivor-victims while allowing the Archdiocese to continue its ministries and social programs serving the community.
The settlement is expected to bring a conclusion to ongoing legal battles that have resulted in the Archdiocese paying hundreds of millions of dollars to victims. Notably, in 2007, the Archdiocese settled child sex abuse lawsuits with 500 victims for $660 million. As with the previous settlement, the administrative office of the Archdiocese will bear financial responsibility for the recent agreement, utilizing reserves, investments, loans, and other assets to make the necessary payments. The agreement reflects a commitment to addressing the past wrongs and providing support to those who have suffered due to abuse within the Church.
Given the magnitude of the settlement, it serves as a significant step towards acknowledging and redressing the harm inflicted on survivors of child sex abuse within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The legal resolution aligns with efforts to hold institutions accountable for past failures in protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that justice is served. By reaching this historic agreement, the Archdiocese aims to address the consequences of past abuse while continuing to support its ministries and community programs that serve those in need.
The settlement underscores the importance of providing tangible support and compensation to survivor-victims of child sex abuse, who have endured immense suffering due to the actions of perpetrators within the Catholic Church. This resolution signifies a commitment to justice, healing, and accountability within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, as it seeks to address the legacy of abuse and create a safer environment for all individuals associated with the Church. Moving forward, it is essential for religious institutions to prioritize the protection and well-being of children and vulnerable individuals, taking proactive measures to prevent and address instances of abuse.
