Church abuse talks to begin

Sacramento Bee ^ | March 14, 2005 | Jennifer Garza

[siunevada]

Attorneys for both sides in molestation dispute will meet for mediation in 33 civil lawsuits.

Lawyers for the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento and attorneys representing 33 people who've claimed clergy sexual abuse begin court-ordered mediation today. Citing a significant gap in insurance coverage, diocesan officials say some of the money to pay for the settlements might have to come from other programs.

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George would not disclose the amount he will seek on behalf of his clients.

"All I can say is it will be substantial," he said. He added that plaintiffs should not be used as "scapegoats" for diocesan financial problems.

"I'm a Catholic ... I have no interest in endangering any ministries of the diocese," he said.

"It is our belief the cases can be resolved in a way that results in some measure of justice for both sides."

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Sixteen of the Sacramento cases involve Mario Blanco, a priest who served in the diocese in the early 1970s. Blanco is now working in Tacoma, Wash., as a "traditionalist" priest who does not recognize papal authority or post-Vatican II teachings.

He is not associated with any diocese.

If the Sacramento Diocese follows the pattern of other dioceses, some of the cases may be settled over the next few weeks while others head to trial.

A June 27 court date has been set.

If the cases are settled, one group says parishioners should be involved in the decision-making process.

"We want a bigger voice on where the money is coming from for the settlements and what the effect on parishioners will be," said Ed Gleason, director of Voice of the Faithful, a laity group with members throughout Northern California.

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[siunevada]

Sacramento Bee requires the article be excerpted.

[Pat79thST]

My Prayer,

Dear God and Creator, Holy Mary and all of the Saints,

Let All of the stiff collars - from the red hats on down - who helped to justify and protect the actions of these monsters be held to account. Your many good priests - the ones who must bear all of the pastoral pain because of the cliquey clowns above - are saints; may they be blessed: they do the best for their parishes and schools, while the other mopes point fingers at lay people and play spin-doctor. Good and gracious God, you will have a day of atonement with them, but please, merciful God give the rest of us a shot at them!

Amen!