Sex abuse costs LA archdiocese more than $740million

Friday, February 28th, 2014

Sex abuse litigation and settlements have cost Los Angeles Archdiocese more than US$740 during the past decade.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the latest settlement was for US$13million for 17 victims of alleged abuse by Fr Nicholas Aguilar-Riviera in the 1980s.

Attorneys for the victims allege Cardinal Roger Mahoney and an aide “actively thwarted” and “misled” police.

Officials say this is the last of the archdiocese’s pending molestation lawsuits.

The payouts to more than 500 victims have financially devastated the archdiocese.

It has sold off real estate, taken out a US$175 million loan and used some of its US$115 million set aside for cemetery maintenance to pay settlements.

Additional reading

News category: News Shorts.

Tags: Abuse, Archdiocese, Los Angeles

Fifth Gospel Living – book review

Simple, sweet, sometimes heart-breaking, and always invigorating, Fifth Gospel Living is the latest publication from Fr John O’Connor and his Food for Faith ministry. It comprises stories of personal encounters with God. The 96 reflections are the result of a Read more

Treaty of Waitangi should be considered as a covenant relationship

A hīkoi opposing the Treaty Principles Bill has made its way to Wellington. Those who took part in the hīkoi, along with supporters around the country, both Māori and non-Māori, consider the Bill to be a betrayal of the commitments Read more

Christianity stands on threshold of new Reformation

Keynote speaker Tomáš Halík (pictured) a leading Catholic intellectual and author from the Czech Republic, says Churches must transcend national, religious, cultural boundaries A new reformation for the 21st century must transcend “the current forms and boundaries of Christianity,” resist Read more

CathNews New Zealand