LA Church Pays Big for Past Abuses

A whopping $880 million payout by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to 1, 353 victims of clergy sexual abuse. This isn't your average settlement; it's the largest of its kind. The abuse stretches back decades, with the incidents happening as far back as 30 to 50 years ago. If you're wondering how it happened, California passed a law in 2020 that let people sue despite the usual time limits. Negotiations started in 2022 and took a year and a half to reach a deal. Lawyers fought hard to get the highest settlement while making sure the church stays afloat. California is one of 15 states that allowed a three-year window for old cases, causing several archdioceses, like San Francisco and Oakland, to file for bankruptcy. More than 300 priests in LA have been accused of abusing minors. One infamous case is that of Michael Baker, who admitted to molesting boys in 1986 but got sent back to ministry. He's believed to have abused over 40 kids. The church says it's changed. They've beefed up background checks and training. Archbishop José H. Gomez says no accused priest is actively serving. The settlement means the church will reveal more about past cases.