The Diocese of Orange, Calif., reached a reportedly record-breaking financial settlement with 87 alleged victims of clergy sexual abuse late Dec. 2. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles issued the following statement Dec. 3:

Resolution of Claims Against the Church

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles continues to believe that a cooperative settlement process will better facilitate healing and reconciliation for and with those who have made allegations of past abuse by clergy. Both Cardinal Roger Mahony and the Archdiocese reiterate support for a comprehensive settlement that is just and fair to all parties involved.

While the Archdiocese's focus is on achieving a settlement that is both just and fair to all parties involved, the road to such a settlement is unique for each diocese. There are a number of factors that differentiate the situation in Los Angeles from the settlement in the Diocese of Orange that was reported in the press today.

The Diocese of Orange was formed in 1976, from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. As a much younger and smaller diocese, it faced far fewer civil claims than the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

By contrast, the Archdiocese faces more than 500 civil claims, some going all the way back to 1931. Investigating several hundred claims, tracing many insurance policies, cooperating with numerous insurance companies, and working with the courts and plaintiff attorneys is a necessarily time-consuming process. But, as stated above, our focus remains on achieving a final, comprehensive settlement that is just and fair to all parties involved.

Protecting Children and Young People

In the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" and the "Norms" for implementing the Charter, the U.S. Bishops committed themselves to policies and procedures to deal effectively with clergy sexual abuse of minors. The "Charter" and "Norms" complement and enhance comprehensive archdiocesan policies and procedures for dealing with such cases in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

To date, more than 15,000 teachers, parents and concerned parishioners in the Archdiocese have undergone abuse prevention training in the Archdiocese's "Safeguard the Children" program. This program also provides on-going training and education in abuse prevention, underscoring the Archdiocese's unwavering commitment to the protection of our children and young people.

Pledge to Heal

The Archdiocese continues to move forward with ministry to those who have been sexually abused by priests and other church representatives. Our Victims' Assistance Ministry Office provides a caring and pastoral response to victims and their families. Under the direction of Sister Sheila McNiff, the Victims Assistance Ministry Office also offers psychological and spiritual counseling to victims. Working together with the victims of clergy sexual abuse, Sister McNiff has also coordinated several healing services for victims and their families. Cardinal Mahony personally conducts these healing services, which have been a source of true reconciliation for those who have attended.