Woman sues Diocese of London over alleged sexual abuse at Kingsville parish nearly 50 years ago

A woman coming forward saying she is a victim of sexual abuse has come forward and is taking legal action against the Roman Catholic Diocese of London.

A woman who says she was sexually abused as a child at a Kingsville church is suing the Roman Catholic Diocese of London.

The plaintiff, identified only by initials in court documents, alleges she was six years old when she was taken from her Grade 1 classroom at St. John de Brebeuf Catholic Elementary School and brought to the associated parish nearby.

The allegations date back to around 1979 and have not been tested in court.

According to the Statement of Claim, the woman alleges she was sexually assaulted by Father L.C. “Mike” Langan, who was then a priest with the Roman Catholic Church and pastor at St. John de Brebeuf parish in Kingsville. The claim also states Langan was a chaplain at the affiliated parish school.

The claim alleges the abuse happened on premises owned or controlled by the Diocese, specifically the rectory of the church.

“Like most victims of childhood sexual abuse, it takes some decades to be able to confront it,” said the plaintiff’s lawyer, Robert Talach, a partner with Beckett Personal Injury Lawyers in London.

Talach said his client filed the litigation around her 50th birthday.

“She has been looking, as I think most of us do, as we get into our midlife and beyond, looking to reconcile some of the issues from her youth,” he said.

Talach said the claim alleges his client was summoned from her Grade 1 classroom and taken to the parish.

“The claim alleges that she was summoned out of her Grade 1 class and headed over to the parish to receive a prize,” said Talach.

According to the Statement of Claim, Langan allegedly used his position as a priest, chaplain and representative of the Diocese to develop a close relationship with the plaintiff when she was young. The claim alleges that relationship allowed him access to the child and an opportunity to abuse her.

The lawsuit also alleges Langan used religious fear to keep the child silent, including making her feel that her soul was in jeopardy and that she would go to hell if she disclosed what happened.

Langan died in 2005. Talach said that makes the civil case more difficult.

“In a civil lawsuit, unlike in a criminal case, we have the right to question them. There’s no right of silence for a perpetrator in a lawsuit, and many times, that interrogation of the perpetrator, assists the victim,” Talach said.

“So, him having passed away hurts us.”

Talach said his office is now looking for anyone with information about Langan or the time period in question.

“We’re looking for any information on Father L.C. Mike Langan,” he said.

Talach said his client also recalls the possibility of some kind of intervention by school, church, or police authorities around that time.

“We’re looking maybe for some of those people now well into the retirement and can talk about what they might have been involved with back at that time,” he said.

The lawsuit names the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of London in Ontario as the defendant.

The Statement of Claim alleges the Diocese is “vicariously liable” for Langan’s alleged actions. It also accuses the Diocese of negligence, alleging it failed to properly investigate, screen, supervise, and monitor Langan.

The claim also alleges the Diocese knew or ought to have known about concerns involving Langan, including alleged concerns from clergy, parishioners, students, and others.

Talach said the case is not only about the alleged conduct of one priest, but about the legal responsibility of the Diocese.

“It’s the Supreme Court of Canada that has ruled decades ago that when a priest abuses a young parishioner, the diocese, the employer, will automatically be responsible,” he said.

Talach said that is because of “the elevated position and power that’s given to priests” and the close connection between a priest’s duties and parishioners.

The Statement of Claim alleges the Diocese failed to protect the plaintiff and later failed to identify, counsel or assist her. It also alleges the Diocese promoted a culture of secrecy around clergy sexual misconduct.

None of those allegations have been proven in court.

In a statement to CTV News, the Diocese of London said it cannot comment on any case before the courts.

“Since 1989, our Safe Environment Policy has helped protect our parishioners and we are committed to providing a safe environment in all our churches,” the statement reads.

The Diocese said the policy is updated every four years and all clergy and staff must attend mandatory training every two years, or when there is a major change.

“We recognize the courage needed to come forward, and we take all abuse allegations that are made known to us very seriously,” the statement continued.

“We continue to pray for God to bring healing and comfort to all survivors.”

The plaintiff is seeking $3 million in listed damages.

That includes $300,000 for pain and suffering, $1.5 million in past and future pecuniary damages, $100,000 in special damages, $50,000 for mental and emotional distress, $50,000 in aggravated damages, and $1 million in punitive and exemplary damages.

The claim alleges the plaintiff has suffered long-term effects including mental anguish, anxiety, depression, difficulty with trust and relationships, impairment of her ability to earn an income, loss of religious life, and ongoing psychological harm.

Talach said his client wants the case to encourage others to come forward.

“The number one thing she wants people understand, like a lot of victims, is that these things occur, and that silence is not the answer,” Talach said.

“It takes decades to come forward, and she’s mustered the strength to do it.”

Talach said anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse should speak with someone they trust and seek treatment.

“Travel your individual journey of justice as you see fit,” he said.