Priests object to ruling allowing abuse lawsuits

IN A letter read at Catholic churches throughout California, priests have challenged a new state law they believe will bring a flood of sexual abuse lawsuits seeking millions of dollars.

Starting January 1, the statute of limitations on the filing of molestation lawsuits will be lifted for one year. Catholic officials intend to contest the new law in court.

Parishioners at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels in Los Angeles said the church should not balk at paying damages to victims of sexual abuse.