Another 8 suits claim sex abuse by priests in Philly archdiocese

Eight new sexual abuse lawsuits have been filed against the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The suits allege a conspiracy to cover up the sexual abuse of minors by priests connected to Monsignor William Lynn, the former archdiocese official who was convicted over the summer of failing to prevent abuse by other priests.

Michael McDonnell, who wants to be identified by the media, says he was abused by two priests.

“I was once very faithful and active in my church and loving to my God. During the course of these past 32 years, I have experienced and continue to experience mental health issues, depersonalization disorder PTSD and I battle the disease of addiction,” McDonnell said Tuesday. “These are the results of suppressing the reality of abuse.”

Andy Druding, who says he is another victim, says the incident is always on his mind.

“Things I was used able to do in my everyday life, I just cannot function to the degree I used to be able to,” he said. “It just weighs on my mind and dwells on there constantly.”

These cases and others were on hold during Lynn’s trial, but attorneys for the two men hope they will move forward soon.

The archdiocese declined comment on the lawsuits.