Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I write to share information on our local Church. First, we have an update on the progress of our lawsuit against participants in a scheme to profit from false claims of abuse. These individuals sought to take advantage of the archdiocese’s pastoral response to claims, which is to trust claimants, settle cases with compassion, and support survivors of abuse in their healing. Recently, in a positive development, a judge ruled against efforts to dismiss our case. We are determined to press ahead with our defense against these false claims and the affront they represent to true survivors.
I am deeply sorry for every incident of abuse and the lifelong, often silent suffering that results. As painful as this history is, the only way to address it is with transparency and compassion for those truly harmed and an unwavering commitment to our preventive safe environment programs.
Still, over the past 18 months, we have seen a significant change in the legal environment, including widespread attorney advertising and an inflow of private equity financing supporting the law firms soliciting and bringing claims. This has resulted in an unprecedented and marked rise in the number of abuse claims, largely stemming from events alleged to have occurred decades ago. While we have compensated survivors with more than $400 million over four decades, this development risks undermining our ability to provide a just and equitable resolution of genuine claims...
JOHANNESBURG - A community activist stresses that allegations against foreign nationals must be supported by evidence. Andile Siko warns that false claims deepen divisions and fuel hostility. This...