Discussion US Catholic church paid 615 million dollars for abuse cases in 2007

[The Helper]

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The Roman Catholic church in the United States paid out 615 million dollars (400 million euros) last year for child sex abuse cases involving members of the clergy, or 54 percent more than the previous year, an official report showed Friday.

Of the monies paid out by the church, 526 million dollars went to settling cases -- almost double the amount paid out in 2006, the annual report on how well the church is implementing a charter to protect youngsters said.

Around 23 million dollars was paid out for therapy for victims or support for accused offenders, and 60 million dollars for legal fees, said the report, which was commissioned by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The report showed that 689 new allegations of abuse were lodged last year -- three percent fewer than in 2006 -- but most involved cases dating back decades.

 

[Andyoyo]

Does that money come from the offering/charity given during service I wonder?

 

[The Helper]

Pretty much that is where all the church money comes from.

 

[esb]

I thought the convicted had to pay from their own money.

BUT, lets say, half a billion US dollars are spent to pay for abuse cases alone, that means they have even more?... wow.

 

[seph ir oth]

I thought the convicted had to pay from their own money.

BUT, lets say, half a billion US dollars are spent to pay for abuse cases alone, that means they have even more?... wow.

Yup, churches are just big money suckers that have been around for about 1700 years.

 

[Seb!]

I think that the RC Church is one of the wealthiest organizations/groups aside from governments and maybe Exxon.

But.. infallibility costs money.

 

[Bartuc08]

i hate the church...

(to clarify, and not start a debate, i said "church" not "catholics")