SUMMARY: According to the AP, child sex abuse cases are bankrupting the San Diego Roman Catholic Diocese with a reported over 400 cases on the docket. For years the Catholic chruch was busted for child sex abuse with the issue being widespread enought to take a toll on its finances. The religious organization could be repsinsible fore paying around $550 millin in stellements. Made up of 99 parishes, the San Diego Diocese serves Imperial County and San Bernadillo County potentially impacting over a million Catholics in one way or another if infact, bacnruptcy papers are filed. But, these cases are from older offenses that date back to as far as 75 years ago due to the state lifting a statue of limitations on childhood sex abuse claims.
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego said Friday it may declare bankruptcy in the coming months as it faces “staggering” legal costs in dealing with some 400 lawsuits alleging priests and others sexually abused children.
In a letter that was expected to be shared with parishioners this weekend, Bishop Robert McElroy said the cases were filed after California lifted a statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse claims.
Assembly Bill 218, which was signed into law in 2019, allows alleged victims to sue up until age 40. Also, beginning in 2020, it opened a three-year window for filing lawsuits without age limitations.
Most of the alleged abuse cited in the suits took place 50 to 75 years ago, and the earliest claim dates to 1945, Kevin Eckery, communications director for the diocese, said at a Friday news conference, KNSD-TV reported.
Eckery predicted that it would cost the diocese $550 million to settle the cases, none of which have gone to trial.
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