500 victims, $650 million: That is the settlement of the most recent sexual abuse lawsuit involving the Los Angeles Catholic Diocese. Gives you a nice feeling of vindication doesn’t it?

Not quite. Its quite unsettling really. Just think… 500 victims have come forward when most victims are believed not to have come forward… only in the district of Los Angeles.

And what has taken all this time you ask? Well according to the Church’s attorney:

“We would have loved to have done this years ago, but it was going to take this case (getting) ready for trial before the insurance companies had satisfied themselves that they had done all they needed to do to protect their own shareholders”

Hold on a minute. The church has insurance for child abuse? I can’t imagine the kinds of premiums they pay for that. And $650 million? How does a single diocese have enough money to pay for that kind of thing? Aren’t religions exempt from taxes because they are supposedly non-profit? Apparently they are selling a few properties, taking out some investments, and taking out a small loan. Luckily the financial burden isn’t big enough to close down any parishes (alter boy brothels?) or parish schools… I guess you can’t deny that they’re always thinking about the children.

I hope Some people don’t feel hesitant now about giving money to a collection plate because of financial difficulties; now you know that the $5 bill you put in that plate is going towards a good cause: Justice.

If you are interested in this topic and would like to learn more about this case in particular, I recommend the documentary “Deliver Us From Evil”. It systematically shows how these reports were covered up and how this process led to promotion in the church. It will make any decent human being sick to their stomach. Trailer and link below:

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