LOS ANGELES — The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has reached a significant agreement to pay $880 million to a large number of individuals who have alleged sexual abuse by clergy members spanning several decades.
This settlement, which involves 1,353 claimants, represents the largest singular payout for child sexual abuse associated with any Catholic archdiocese, as noted by experts in the field. The plaintiffs were granted the opportunity to file lawsuits after California passed legislation in 2020 that opened a three-year period for claims that had surpassed the usual statute of limitations.

Previously, the Archdiocese had disbursed $740 million to various victims. With this newly announced settlement, the total amount paid out will exceed $1.5 billion.
Approval from all plaintiffs is still required for the settlement to be finalized, according to the Plaintiffs’ Liaison Committee.
This agreement effectively concludes 25 years of legal battles against the largest archdiocese in the United States, although attorneys for the victims have indicated that some lawsuits against the church are still active.

The negotiation process took a year and a half to reach fruition. According to lead plaintiff attorney Morgan Stewart, discussions commenced in 2022, with a strong emphasis on achieving the highest possible settlement for their clients while also ensuring the financial stability of the archdiocese.
California is among at least 15 states that have temporarily modified statutes to allow individuals to sue institutions for historical abuse, which has resulted in a surge of new cases, compromising the financial viability of several archdioceses, including those in San Francisco and Oakland.
In cases where abuse was coupled with a “cover-up” by clergy or staff, California law permits triple damages.
Stewart remarked on the objective to avoid the bankruptcy issues that have affected many dioceses.

The claimants include individuals who faced abuse as far back as 30, 40, or even 50 years. Stewart has noted the prolonged suffering endured by these survivors: “These individuals have been dealing with the effects of the abuse for many years.”
He highlighted the urgency of resolving these claims, as many survivors have passed away and those aware of the abuse within the church are aging as well.

The previously mentioned $740 million and the recent pledge contribute to the Archdiocese’s commitment to improving protections for its members while compensating victims.
Archbishop José H. Gomez expressed hope that the settlement would assist in healing the pain experienced by victims: “My hope is that this settlement will provide some measure of healing for what these men and women have suffered,” he stated.
The settlement will be financed through a combination of “reserves, investments and loans, along with other archdiocesan assets and payments made by religious orders and other parties involved in the litigation.”

Over the years, more than 300 priests affiliated with the Archdiocese have faced allegations of sexual abuse involving minors.
A notable case includes Michael Baker, a formerly-active priest convicted of child molestation in 2007 who was paroled in 2011. In 2013, the Archdiocese paid nearly $10 million to settle four abuse claims against him.
Confidential documents reveal that Baker admitted to then-Archbishop Roger Mahony in 1986 to molesting two boys over a span of nearly seven years.
Following the admission, Baker was removed from ministry and received psychological treatment, yet he was reinstated and permitted unsupervised access to minors. His ministry continued until 2000, after he had worked in nine different parishes.
Reports suggest that Baker may have abused over 40 children during his tenure as a priest, as documented in the Los Angeles Times.

In response to the crisis, church officials indicate that significant changes have been implemented.
The church now mandates strict adherence to background checks and reporting protocols for priests, along with comprehensive training programs designed to safeguard children.
Gomez, who took over leadership from Mahony in 2011, emphasized the current rarity of new allegations against clergy members involving minors: “Today, as a result of these reforms, new cases of sexual misconduct by priests and clergy involving minors are rare in the Archdiocese.”
He further assured that no individuals known to have harmed minors are currently in active service.
In accordance with the new settlement agreement, the archdiocese has also committed to releasing more internal documentation related to the sexual abuse claims involving its clergy.