A MESSAGE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES

As you may be aware, California State Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218), which was passed in 2019, lifted the statute of limitations for a second time in California allowing civil claims of past sexual misconduct involving minors during a three-year window from 2020-2022. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles was named in approximately 1,900 claims involving allegations of past sexual misconduct by clergy, religious and lay women and men going back to the 1940s. None of the claims involve recent sexual misconduct.

Since 2023, as part of our commitment to survivor-victims of sexual abuse, the Archdiocese has been working to address the coordinated AB 218 civil litigation claims, entering into active mediation with representatives of the Plaintiffs’ Liaison Committee to seek a path forward that would allow the Archdiocese to support survivor-victims through timely and just compensation while also allowing parishes, schools and vital ministries to serve the faithful and those in need in our communities.

Counsel for the Archdiocese and the Plaintiffs’ Liaison Committee have announced that they have reached an agreement in principle through mediation that would lead to the settlement of 1353 claims involving the Archdiocese in the coordinated proceedings for $880 million.

The Administrative Office of the Archdiocese will be taking the primary financial responsibility for funding the settlement along with payments by certain religious orders and others named in the litigation. Designated contributions to parishes, schools, and to collections or campaigns such as Called to Renew, Together in Mission and the Catholic Education Foundation will not be used to fund the settlement. It is expected that initial funding of the settlement will occur in 2025.

The Archdiocese has created a web portal with a message from Archbishop José H. Gomez as well as other important information regarding the AB 218 claims which can be found at www.LACatholics.org/AB218. Please visit this portal for more information about the settlement and the sexual abuse prevention policies and programs of the Archdiocese.

For more than two decades, we have made significant strides as an Archdiocese to recognize and combat sexual abuse in our parishes, schools and other locations to ensure that current cases of misconduct with minors are now rare. The Archdiocese reaffirms its commitment to survivor-victims and stands resolute against abuse. Let us continue to pray for all victim-survivors of sexual abuse in our society and let us continue to work together as a community of faith to prevent abuse and keep our parishes, schools and ministries safe for all.

Christianity is not a "theory". 

It is not a "philosophy".  

It is a relationship with God,

through Jesus Christ,

in the power of the Holy Spirit.

LIVE IT!