Will Victims Be Vindicated? Options

[Ozzie]

From AAP:
US$660m payout in clergy abuse cases
Monday Jul 16 05:49 AEST
The Roman Catholic Church in Los Angeles will pay a record US$660 million settlement to more than 500 victims of sexual abuse by clergy.

A statement announcing the deal between lawyers representing 508 victims and the Los Angeles archdiocese is expected to head off a potentially explosive court case.

"Some of the victims have waited more than five decades for a chance at reconciliation and resolution," said Ray Boucher, the lead attorney for victims in the case. "This is a down payment on that debt long overdue."

RELATED LINKS
VIDEO: Church abuse payout
Attorneys for both sides will appear in Los Angeles Superior Court to file the settlement, which must be approved by a judge, Boucher said.

"It's been a long, hard slog," church attorney J. Michael Hennigan told the Los Angeles Times. "I'm delighted to see it's come to a conclusion."

The 660-million-dollar deal, which covers cases dating as far back as the 1940s, will be the largest settlement by any Roman Catholic archdiocese to sex abuse victims in the United States.

Abuse cases across the country have cost Roman Catholic churches around US$2.1 billion to date. Several priests have been convicted and at least four dioceses have gone bankrupt paying civil penalties.

The Los Angeles diocese is expected to sell off property to pay for the settlement. The Times reported earlier this year that the diocese, America's largest, had real estate holdings of around US$4 billion.

The church had already settled 46 cases in December for US$60 million.

John Manly, a lawyer who represented around 50 victims who now stand to receive payouts of around US$1.25 million, said the archdiocese had settled to avoid the embarrassment of a court case.

Manly said the release of internal documents as part of the settlement would raise questions over the leadership of Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony.

"I think when people see the documents and see what he knew and what he did they will be stunned," Manly said.

Victims accuse Mahony of allegedly covering up evidence of child molestation by transferring priests to other churches and for trying to keep the abuse reports secret.

"Cardinal Mahony paying out money is great, but where is the accountability from the hierarchy of the church?" Manly said. "They will continue their lives as normal; the victims still have to deal with a lifetime of problems."

Manly questioned why Mahony had not been held to account.

"If what transpired under his leadership was bad enough to pay a half billion dollars, why is he still walking free, and why hasn't the district attorney taken action against him?" Manly said.

The abuse cases also highlighted a failing of the justice authorities, Manly added.

"I hope this causes the power structure — Los Angeles law enforcement, the courts, the people in power — to look at what happened and ask how, in the midst of all this stuff for 50 years, only three priests were convicted," he said.

"By any standard that tells you law enforcement was turning a blind eye to this."

Barbara Blaine, the leader of nationwide victims support group Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), meanwhile called the settlement "wonderful news for all the victims."

She praised the "brave victims, compassionate lawmakers and victims' attorneys, who took hard, uncertain cases and overcame seemingly endless hardball tactics by bishops" to win the case.

Blaine said she believed the church had settled not out of compassion, but to avoid disclosing "under oath, in open court, how much the church's corporate officials knew about and how little they did about pedophile priests, nuns, brothers and seminarians."

Blaine said she hoped the church documents detailing the abuse cases would expose the truth.

"No amount of money can give the victims back their lost innocence and stolen childhoods, but hopefully this will put some closure on very painful part of their lives," she said.

The Los Angeles settlement dwarfs figures from other cases. The previous biggest payout was in Boston, where victims accepted a deal worth US$157 million dollars.

Hopefully, we will see the victims associated with 3ABN vindicated, as these people have. Some have waited over 50 years to have this happen. May the people who have allegedly been victims associated with any of our Churhes or associated ministries, not have to wait that long.

[runner4him]

From AAP:
US$660m payout in clergy abuse cases
Monday Jul 16 05:49 AEST
The Roman Catholic Church in Los Angeles will pay a record US$660 million settlement to more than 500 victims of sexual abuse by clergy.

A statement announcing the deal between lawyers representing 508 victims and the Los Angeles archdiocese is expected to head off a potentially explosive court case.

"Some of the victims have waited more than five decades for a chance at reconciliation and resolution," said Ray Boucher, the lead attorney for victims in the case. "This is a down payment on that debt long overdue."

RELATED LINKS
VIDEO: Church abuse payout
Attorneys for both sides will appear in Los Angeles Superior Court to file the settlement, which must be approved by a judge, Boucher said.

"It's been a long, hard slog," church attorney J. Michael Hennigan told the Los Angeles Times. "I'm delighted to see it's come to a conclusion."

The 660-million-dollar deal, which covers cases dating as far back as the 1940s, will be the largest settlement by any Roman Catholic archdiocese to sex abuse victims in the United States.

Abuse cases across the country have cost Roman Catholic churches around US$2.1 billion to date. Several priests have been convicted and at least four dioceses have gone bankrupt paying civil penalties.

The Los Angeles diocese is expected to sell off property to pay for the settlement. The Times reported earlier this year that the diocese, America's largest, had real estate holdings of around US$4 billion.

The church had already settled 46 cases in December for US$60 million.

John Manly, a lawyer who represented around 50 victims who now stand to receive payouts of around US$1.25 million, said the archdiocese had settled to avoid the embarrassment of a court case.

Manly said the release of internal documents as part of the settlement would raise questions over the leadership of Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony.

"I think when people see the documents and see what he knew and what he did they will be stunned," Manly said.

Victims accuse Mahony of allegedly covering up evidence of child molestation by transferring priests to other churches and for trying to keep the abuse reports secret.

"Cardinal Mahony paying out money is great, but where is the accountability from the hierarchy of the church?" Manly said. "They will continue their lives as normal; the victims still have to deal with a lifetime of problems."

Manly questioned why Mahony had not been held to account.

"If what transpired under his leadership was bad enough to pay a half billion dollars, why is he still walking free, and why hasn't the district attorney taken action against him?" Manly said.

The abuse cases also highlighted a failing of the justice authorities, Manly added.

"I hope this causes the power structure — Los Angeles law enforcement, the courts, the people in power — to look at what happened and ask how, in the midst of all this stuff for 50 years, only three priests were convicted," he said.

"By any standard that tells you law enforcement was turning a blind eye to this."

Barbara Blaine, the leader of nationwide victims support group Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), meanwhile called the settlement "wonderful news for all the victims."

She praised the "brave victims, compassionate lawmakers and victims' attorneys, who took hard, uncertain cases and overcame seemingly endless hardball tactics by bishops" to win the case.

Blaine said she believed the church had settled not out of compassion, but to avoid disclosing "under oath, in open court, how much the church's corporate officials knew about and how little they did about pedophile priests, nuns, brothers and seminarians."

Blaine said she hoped the church documents detailing the abuse cases would expose the truth.

"No amount of money can give the victims back their lost innocence and stolen childhoods, but hopefully this will put some closure on very painful part of their lives," she said.

The Los Angeles settlement dwarfs figures from other cases. The previous biggest payout was in Boston, where victims accepted a deal worth US$157 million dollars.

Hopefully, we will see the victims associated with 3ABN vindicated, as these people have. Some have waited over 50 years to have this happen. May the people who have allegedly been victims associated with any of our Churhes or associated ministries, not have to wait that long.

Amen and may they know that we are behind them and will be there to support them through the entire process!!!

[PeacefulBe]

Since we do have positive proof that TS abused his position as a pastor by manipulating a 19 or 20-year-old young man, it is reasonable to believe that the probability of this being an isolated victimization is slim and that more of the allegations being made by various men could be true as well. It is true that no charges have been brought that most are aware of and certainly no convictions have been made.

Should the allegations against Tommy be true, and should the allegations that Danny has used lies and intimidation to try to keep these actions secret, I really want Danny and his leadership to pay close attention to these particular lines from the above-quoted story:

Victims accuse Mahony of allegedly covering up evidence of child molestation by transferring priests to other churches and for trying to keep the abuse reports secret.

"Cardinal Mahony paying out money is great, but where is the accountability from the hierarchy of the church?" Manly said. "They will continue their lives as normal; the victims still have to deal with a lifetime of problems."

[PJMusic]

Since we do have positive proof that TS abused his position as a pastor by manipulating a 19 or 20-year-old young man, it is reasonable to believe that the probability of this being an isolated victimization is slim and that more of the allegations being made by various men could be true as well. It is true that no charges have been brought that most are aware of and certainly no convictions have been made.

Should the allegations against Tommy be true, and should the allegations that Danny has used lies and intimidation to try to keep these actions secret, I really want Danny and his leadership to pay close attention to these particular lines from the above-quoted story:

Taking a more realistic view of what has happened as it pertains to TS, I don't believe that there will be any justice or anything done for the victims. I'm not really one to take the "God will pass judgment" point of view, as my belief in God is not really existent. I am one that could only hope that the truth comes out and justice will be done, but I honestly don't think it will ever happen.

[beartrap]

I am one that could only hope that the truth comes out and justice will be done, but I honestly don't think it will ever happen.

It seldom does.

[PeacefulBe]

PJ,

I can understand your cynicsm, especially without the comfort of hope and faith in the power of God. Just be assured that there are some here who feel the reality of God's power and who are determined to do everything possible to make sure that the truth will be shown and any victims will find affirmation and vindication.

PB

[Pickle]

Taking a more realistic view of what has happened as it pertains to TS, I don't believe that there will be any justice or anything done for the victims.

Do you know of any alleged victims who would like to try, for whom the statute of limitations, whether criminal or civil, has not run out?

[Johann]

Do you know of any alleged victims who would like to try, for whom the statute of limitations, whether criminal or civil, has not run out?

When do the statute of limitations run out in the courts of divine justice? Does God tell us that time heals it all without making just restitution?

[runner4him]

When do the statute of limitations run out in the courts of divine justice? Does God tell us that time heals it all without making just restitution?

Never! I would like to encourage those who can to take a legal stand and we will be there to support you.

So sad that when I called AF the response was someone "should be in jail IF it is true" but in the meantime Oh well just assume it is not true since "no charges have been brought" against anyone. That attitude is just .....turn a deaf ear unless it goes to a court of law. As I look back on similar circumstances through the years, yes, too often it is turn a deaf ear or a blind eye and pass the buck on. Remember the word ...say nothing except if it is a nice thing to say? I am saddened that in our society and in our church we have been guilty of this too long.

[Panama_Pete]

Do you know of any alleged victims who would like to try, for whom the statute of limitations, whether criminal or civil, has not run out?

People would, most likely, actually have to visit Virgina and talk to folks person-to-person. Or have someone there that they trust do it. They'd have to be able to present some sort of road map.

I mention Virginia only because I read here that there is no statute of limitations there. That Virgina statute of limitations would have to be double-checked, too.

If I were the Adventist Church in Illinois, I'd be concerned about now, since the president of their conference is on the board of 3ABN.

The Adventist Church has millions, I wouldn't be surprised if some angry person and their attorney takes a run at it.

I know that if you allow the public to believe someone is affiliated with you, you can be held accountable. Is this the case with 3ABN? Time will tell. Suddenly claiming 3ABN to be "non-denominational" and "not affiliated" might not sufficiently insulate the Church, if things should come to the surface at some point.

There are a lot of very bright lawyers out there and today's revisionism of history is no protection.

[Johann]

People would, most likely, actually have to visit Virgina and talk to folks person-to-person. Or have someone there that they trust do it. They'd have to be able to present some sort of road map.

I mention Virginia only because I read here that there is no statute of limitations there. That Virgina statute of limitations would have to be double-checked, too.

If I were the Adventist Church in Illinois, I'd be concerned about now, since the president of their conference is on the board of 3ABN.

The Adventist Church has millions, I wouldn't be surprised if some angry person and their attorney takes a run at it.

I know that if you allow the public to believe someone is affiliated with you, you can be held accountable. Is this the case with 3ABN? Time will tell. Suddenly claiming 3ABN to be "non-denominational" and "not affiliated" might not sufficiently insulate the Church, if things should come to the surface at some point.

There are a lot of very bright lawyers out there and today's revisionism of history is no protection.

For Pete's sake, let this be noticed!

A person very close to me is still suffering from a sexual attack that was done to her more than 30 years ago. Broken hearts need to be mended, and a slogan alone will not do it, even if they try to mingle it with a saving message.