Christopher Cunningham

Rev. Christopher Cunningham

Christopher Cunningham was removed from his parish position in March 2004 and sent to another parish by Cardinal Mahoney. No explanation for his transfer was provided until May 2004 when Mahoney said Cunningham was moved due to being “emotionally unstable, harsh in exercising authority and interfered with an internal church investigation.” Ultimately, Cunningham was removed from active ministry in 2006.

Cunningham was included on list quietly posted on the website for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles of clergy with credible accusations of childhood sexual abuse.

Cunningham was further accused in a 2015 lawsuit of sexual abuse in 2001 and 2002 of a 12-13 year-old boy, while assigned at a parish in Covina. The lawsuit alleged he often had boys with him in his living quarters, also known as the rectory.  An additional lawsuit was filed in 2017 on behalf of 4 boys, ages 10-15 alleging abuse in the mid-1990s-early 2000s at three different parishes in or around Los Angeles. The lawsuit claimed reports about Cunningham’s misconduct were made to superiors in each case, to no avail. Cunningham has denied all allegations.

If you or someone you love was sexually abused by a priest or someone else associated with the Catholic Church, please contact Paul and his team to learn about the new law and to ensure your rights are protected.