LOS ANGELES (CA)
KABC
[with video]
Carlos Granda
LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Cardinal Roger Mahony is speaking out after being stripped of all public duties, while victims are speaking out about the release of the clergy abuse files.
On Thursday, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez said in a statement that Mahony no longer had any administrative or public duties. Mahony said in a letter posted on his blog, “Nothing in my own background or education equipped me to deal with this grave problem.”
Documents released two weeks ago showed that in the 1980s, Mahony and others tried to hide some of the sexual abuse cases.
“While there was some information dealing with child neglect, sexual abuse was never discussed,” Mahony said. “Unfortunately, I cannot return now to the 1980s and reverse actions and decisions made then. But when I retired as the active Archbishop, I handed over to you an Archdiocese that was second to none in protecting children and youth.”
Esther Miller was 16 when she says Father Michael Nocita first sexually abused her. She says she attempted suicide the following year.
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