The lawsuit involves then archbishop Roger Mahony, for the way he handled the matter.
The former priest Michael Baker.
Photo:
AP / Archdiocese of Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES.- The Los Angeles Archdiocese offered this Wednesday again sorry to the faithful harmed by Church members and reaffirmed its commitment and support to the survivors of sexual abuse, behind the demand who filed an alleged victim of the former priest Michael Baker.
The legal action against the archdiocese largest in the United States, which was presented in a Los Angeles court last Friday, also names the cardinal Roger Mahonywho served as archbishop of Los Angeles between 1985 Y 2011, local media reported.
Just at the end of last January, it became known that the Archdiocese itself would have to pay almost $ 2 million dollars as a result of another lawsuit for child sexual abuse.
On this occasion, the Archdiocese expressed “his deep regret for the mistakes made in handling the case of former priest Michael Baker, ”he said in a statement sent to Efe.
The plaintiff, identified as John LA-1 Doe, 32, says that suffered sexual abuse by Baker between 1993 and 1997, When I had between 6 and 10 years old.
The lawsuit was filed thanks to the new law AB 218, which extends the time in which the alleged victims may file legal complaints in California.
In a report delivered by the Church in 2004, it was reported how Baker cheated parishioners, therapists, church leaders and, above all, their victims. "He manipulated treatment protocols to continue taking advantage of young people“, Assures the Church.
Baker admitted in 1986 before Mahony having inappropriate relationships with two minors. The priest was removed from the ministry and sent to a medical treatment.
“The experts thought that rehabilitation was possible. Based on treatment recommendations, Baker was authorized to return to the ministry restricted, ”the statement explains.
In the year 2000, the priest was removed from the Church.
Baker was accused of abusing at least 23 young people. In 2007 he pleaded guilty to abuse and served more than 10 years in jail.
The Archdiocese He stressed that he has implemented many changes and reforms in the years that have passed to ensure that parishes, schools and ministries are safe places for the community.
Allegations of abuse involving minors, whether by a member of the clergy or a layman, are reported to the police and public announcements are made in places where the person has served, the religious institution stressed.
You may also like:
