Parker Waichman LLP

Chicago Archdiocese Releases Sex Abuse Report

Archdiocese Sex Abuse Report. The Archdiocese of Chicago’s report on the status of sex abuse cases is a small step toward addressing the problem, but it doesn’t go far enough, a victim’s rights group said Thursday. The group, the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, was responding to the church’s Thursday release […]

Sex Abuse Report

Archdiocese Sex Abuse Report. The Archdiocese of Chicago’s report on the status of sex abuse cases is a small step toward addressing the problem, but it doesn’t go far enough, a victim’s rights group said Thursday.

The group, the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, was responding to the church’s Thursday release of the 79-page report. The report lists the number of abuse cases but does not name the accused, even though the church has already named some of those priests for the media.

Issuing the report, church officials say, is one way to remain accountable to lay Catholics.

It states that 36 priests have been accused of 55 cases of abuse since 1993. Though all of the abuse has been reported since 1993, all of the crimes occurred prior to 1990, said Jimmy Lago, the archdiocese’s chancellor and author of the report.

He said none of the clergy are in ministry today. About nine have contested the allegations and are awaiting a church trial either in Chicago or Rome, he said.

abuse by various priests

Another dozen priests were accused in the past decade, Lago said, but those cases were not substantiated. Officials also said they received at least 200 e-mails or phone calls alleging abuse by various priests, but were unable to follow up because the information often was vague. In some cases, the accusers did not leave their names.

The report also shows that in the last 10 years the archdiocese has spent $16.8 million on settlements, therapy for victims and legal fees. It also updates recent policy changes by the archdiocese on the subject.

Archdiocese officials said Thursday they can’t claim there have not been youths who have been abused in the past decade.

“To say you’ve eliminated sin is a big, big claim and I don’t want to say that,” said Cardinal Francis George, Chicago archbishop.

He did say, though, that he believes people today would feel more comfortable stepping forward.

The report’s release is a small step toward openness, said Barbara Blaine, SNAP founder and president.

Still, she said there is more the archdiocese can do, including fighting to extend or repeal the statute of limitations on criminal prosecution of such cases.

But Blaine did find some encouraging signs Thursday. She said the cardinal for the first time did not equivocate when he said confidentiality agreements would not be enforced.

Claire Noonan, a spokeswoman for Call to Action, a national organization of Catholics who advocate for church reform, said there needs to be a compilation of the names of all the priests.

“Those men may still be in contact with children and it’s important that they be publicly known,” she said.

Need Legal Help Regarding Sex Abuse Report?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

[sc name=”post-footers”]

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Took on my case when my original representative became dysfunctional. Accurate, knowledgeable, totally transparent. Excellent commincation, I couldn't have expected more. I highly recommend this firm!
Bob Ballard
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Excellent service
Cris Valdueza
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman LLP helped me with my case. It all started with a visit from Jorge Peniche who was extremely professional, courteous and detailed with my case. All of my questions and concerns were addressed. I was provided with evidence, my emails, phone calls and inquiries were addressed in a timely fashion with great guidance and care. I am very grateful and appreciative as I had never been through this experience. They were great, a special thanks to Jorge Peniche, who was amazing, the lawyer in my case, Denny Tang and the nurse at the firm. Greatly appreciated. Kindly, Kathy
Kathy M
4 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038