Church sex abuse costs skyrocket

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — The number of sex abuse claims against Roman Catholic clergy dropped for the third consecutive year, but total payouts to victims nearly doubled to reach their highest level ever, according to a new report for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Dioceses and religious orders received 691 new allegations last year, compared with 714 in 2006. The overwhelming majority of claims date back decades. Settlements with victims increased by 90% over the same period, to more than $526 million — the largest amount for one year.

The findings, released Friday, are part of an annual review the American bishops commissioned in 2002 as the abuse crisis consumed the church. A companion audit of bishops' child safety policies found that nearly every diocese was following the plan.


By Charles Krupa, AP
Cardinal Bernard Law offered another apology Dec. 16, 2002 in Boston during his first public appearance since resigning as archbishop. Law stepped down in connection with his role in the clergy sex abuse scandal that rocked the Boston Archdiocese.

Still, the bishops' child protection officer cautioned against "issue fatigue."


Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2008-03-07-church-costs_N.htm

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Also at link:

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[jakem]

1. i noticed my church sex abuse was costing more lately...

damn inflation.

[superconnected]

2. Just not easy to turn a blind eye to complaints anymore...

[pattmarty]

3. they're lucky none (or practically none) of these son of a bitches is in jail.

[Bucky]

4. Gee, I'd hate for them to have to give it up entirely. Can you really put a price on tradition?

As with most human problems, unfettered capitalism would solve this problem. Someone needs to start a clergy sexual abuse insurance company. You know, give lower premiums to denominations that allow their ministers counseling, training, or healthy sexual outlets. Then, if you molest someone, the company covers your legal expenses... after a modest deductable, of course.

[frebrd]

5. If they'd get rid of their "celibacy" policy...

they wouldn't attract so many screwed-up young guys from "strict Catholic families".

[ladjf]

6. How does the Catholic Church continue to function?

[saigon68]

9. Lots of sheep whose brains are in hibernation

There are a lot of deniers out there too a/la Holocaust deniers

[trusty elf]

7. Abstinence makes the church grow fondlers.

:crazy:

[Festivito]

8. LOL /nt