CALIFORNIA
The Tidings
Official Statement
The Diocese of Orange, Calif., reached a reportedly record-breaking financial settlement with 87 alleged victims of clergy sexual abuse late Dec. 2. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles issued the following statement Dec. 3:
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles continues to believe that a cooperative settlement process will better facilitate healing and reconciliation for and with those who have made allegations of past abuse by clergy. Both Cardinal Roger Mahony and the Archdiocese reiterate support for a comprehensive settlement that is just and fair to all parties involved.
While the Archdiocese's focus is on achieving a settlement that is both just and fair to all parties involved, the road to such a settlement is unique for each diocese. There are a number of factors that differentiate the situation in Los Angeles from the settlement in the Diocese of Orange that was reported in the press today.
The Diocese of Orange was formed in 1976, from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. As a much younger and smaller diocese, it faced far fewer civil claims than the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.