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Archdiocese of LA will pay $880 million settlement to abuse survivors
The entrance to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, the headquarters for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. (Damian Dovarganes/AP)
Topline:
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles will pay $880 million to settle more than 1,300 claims of childhood sexual abuse dating back decades, according to an announcement Wednesday.
The context: The action brings the total amount paid out by the Archdiocese of L.A. to more than $1.5 billion, including a 2007 settlement.
Why now: A joint statement by lawyers representing the plaintiffs and the Archdiocese of L.A. said the settlement resolves claims made against the church after a California law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2019 lifted the statute of limitations to allow survivors of childhood sexual abuse a window of time to file civil cases.
Sponsored message
What the church says: “I am sorry for every one of these incidents, from the bottom of my heart,” Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez wrote in a letter published today on the L.A. Catholics website. “No one who has been found to have harmed a minor is serving in ministry at this time.”
What the plaintiff attorneys say: “While there is no amount of money that can replace what was taken from these 1,353 brave individuals who have suffered in silence for decades, there is justice in accountability,” lawyers for the people who will receive the settlement said in a statement.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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