NEW ORLEANS (LA)
Nola.com [New Orleans, LA]
April 15, 2025
The argument that parishes should not contribute to clergy abuse settlements is a convenient way to absolve the laity of responsibility. It ignores a fundamental truth: The Catholic Church runs on the financial support of its members. As long as Catholics continue tithing without demanding real reform, they are enabling an institution that has protected predators and fought survivors for decades.
The Church is not a collection of independent parishes; it is a hierarchical system where every priest, bishop and layperson operates under its authority. Abuse happened in churches, schools and confessionals — places where Catholics worshipped, donated and trusted Church leaders to protect them. That trust was betrayed.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans, like many others, has fought survivors in court while spending millions on lawyers and bankruptcy proceedings to shield assets. It has not declared bankruptcy out of repentance — it is a legal maneuver to limit financial accountability. If the laity wants true reform, it must stop funding the Church’s defense against justice.
Some claim settlements will “destroy” the Church. Nonsense. The Catholic Church has survived wars and financial crises. What truly threatens it is the moral decay of prioritizing wealth over justice.
If Catholics believe in justice, they must act. Do not donate to a Church that refuses transparency. Do not fund bishops who cover up abuse. Do not enable an institution that treats survivors as liabilities.
The only language the Church hierarchy understands is money. Until it stops protecting itself at the expense of victims, Catholics must withhold their financial support. Justice won’t come through empty apologies — it will come when the laity refuses to bankroll corruption. Stop tithing until real change happens.
SCOTT “ALEX” PEYTON
Opelousas