Fr. Christopher John Cunningham

Ordained: 1989
Status: Charged

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Removed from his parish in 3/2004, no explanation. Sent to another by Cardinal Mahony. Had been an outspoken critic of Mahony’s handling of sex abuse cases. Removed in 2006 from active ministry. Included on a list of credibly accused quietly posted on the archdiocesan website in 1/2013. Per a 5/7/2015 lawsuit, abused a boy, age 12 or 13, in 2001-2002. The suit claims Cunningham often had boys with him in his living quarters. Settled in 1/2019. Cunningham denied all allegations. The Archdiocese allegedly knew of Cunningham’s behavior with boys as early as 1994. Accused in a 2017 suit of abuse of four boys, ages 10-15, in the mid-1990s – early 2000s at three parishes; the suit claims reports were made to superiors in each case, to no avail. Found in 11/2017 to be a psychologist with youth a counseling specialty in RI. Arrested in 4/2021 in RI, charged with the sexual assault in the 1990s-early 2000s of four Los Angeles boys, ages 10-12. Pleaded not guilty 4/30/2021.


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