LOS ANGELES (CA)
Science Daily
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- At least 245 clergy members from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles have been accused of sexual misconduct, just-released church documents reveal.
That is 26 more than previously admitted by the nation's largest archdiocese and came Tuesday in documents called proffers intended to settle pending lawsuits, The Los Angeles Times reported.
The diocese last year settled 90 cases for $100 million. Still-pending suits involving more than 200 priests could cost the diocese $1 billion, parties to the suits said.
Despite a 2002 zero-tolerance policy, seven accused Los Angeles diocese priests remain active today. Church officials said the accusations have not been substantiated.
Victims' lawyers called the proffers inadequate and want complete personnel files, which the church has fought.