A record $880-million settlement between the Los Angeles Archdiocese and victims of clergy sex abuse has brought the total payout to over $1.5 billion. The largest archdiocese in the nation, with over 4 million members, Los Angeles has been embroiled in lawsuits spanning more than two decades. The California Legislature’s decision to extend the time for victims to file lawsuits contributed to the large number of individuals coming forward. The abuse and cover-up, reaching back decades, have implicated prominent church officials, including Cardinal Roger Mahony. Mahony’s mishandling of the abuse scandal led to him being relieved of all public duties in 2013. The culture of secrecy and the practice of shifting accused priests between parishes rather than addressing the issue allowed abusers to continue their crimes. The list of abusers within the Archdiocese includes over 500 names, according to the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. Mahony, who cites lack of training to handle the issue, was criticized for his failure to address the problem promptly. The church’s own records revealed an orchestrated conspiracy to prevent authorities from learning about criminal behavior. Priests like Msgr. Peter Garcia and Father Michael Baker, who were known abusers, were given leniency and allowed to continue in the ministry despite their crimes. The archdiocese’s history of covering up abuse and protecting perpetrators has led to outrage among survivors and advocates for victims of clergy sex abuse.
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