The Chicago Archdiocese has released a 180-page deposition that describes how sexual abuse was covered up by their second highest ranking bishop, reports the Chicago Tribune. Retired Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Goedert testified in his deposition that most of the priests he had interviewed about sexual abuse admitted to it. He says in his deposition that even though he knew it was a crime, he felt that Catholic Church law required him to keep the crimes confidential.
This deposition was related to six clergy abuse cases involving four priests between the years of 1970 and 1986. The cases were settled through mediation. The Chicago Archdiocese has paid out over $15.8 million in compensation to victims of clergy abuse in the last year, and a total of $80.2 million between 2001 and 2008.
The secrecy surrounding clergy abuse in the past resulted in priests that were known to be child molesters being relocated to other parishes, putting more children at risk.
If you or a loved one has suffered clergy abuse, it is important that you contact a clergy abuse attorney to assist you. The legal team of clergy abuse attorneys at the Zalkin Law Firm is dedicated to helping individuals who have been the victims of this crime get the compensation for damages they so deserve.
