By Lizeth Cazares
Medill Reports
March 11, 2010
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=161597
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| The Archdiocese states that it does not use collection money to fund legal costs. |
On March 2, Daniel McCormack had a status hearing to determine he is a sexually violent person. It’s a big change from his position as a moral leader in Chicago.
McCormack pleaded guilty in 2007 for fondling five boys while serving as a Catholic priest. He is currently being held at the Rushville Treatment and Detention Facility while a judge determines whether he can go on parole, said State Attorney General Deputy Press Secretary Scott Mulford.
According to the 2009 fiscal year statement released on Feb. 28, the cost to the Archdiocese of Chicago for defending itself and former priests like McCormack was $20.2 million last year. That’s almost $10 million more in settlement costs from 2008 and more than $11 million in 2007.
Susan Burritt, Archdiocese media relations director, said in an email that the reason for the increased cost wasn’t because of an increased number of cases.
“The Archdiocese addresses allegations and claims of misconduct in as timely a fashion as possible and in so doing may be managing several cases simultaneously,” she said. “The timing of payments is related to when agreements are reached and settlements are finalized.”
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She could not comment on the estimated amount of claims that they will pay out next year. She said that the money used in these cases did not come from collections, but from the sales of undeveloped properties and from insurance.
“It is the intention of the Archdiocese that settlements with victims and their families are not only just and fair, but also compassionate and as pastoral as possible,” she said. “Settlements may include counseling services for victims and their families, professional training, educational opportunities, employment assistance.”
For David Clohessy, national director for the Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests, the costs aren’t a reflection about the number of cases going to trial but the Catholic Church’s fear of going to court.
“Much of what’s covered up remains covered up if it’s settled,” he said.
Since officials from the Catholic Church acknowledged that 6,000 priests have committed sexual crimes, Clohessy said the settlement money reflects the church’s intentions of keeping hundreds if not thousands of pastoral coworkers off the witness stand.
“Cardinal George has a burning desire not to be questioned about how much he knew about the priests and how little he did for the victims,” he said.
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