New Orleans Archdiocese Reaches $179.2 Million Settlement in Clergy Abuse Case
New Orleans – In a notable progress, the Archdiocese of New Orleans has agreed to a settlement of nearly $180 million with victims of clergy sexual abuse. This agreement, announced Wednesday, marks the latest in a series of settlements involving the Catholic Church and abuse survivors.
The financial terms of the settlement involve multiple parties. The archdiocese, its parishes, and several insurance providers will contribute $179.2 million to a trust dedicated to compensating survivors. According to the committee responsible for negotiating the agreement,the funds will be disbursed once the church concludes its bankruptcy proceedings.
Did You know?
Clergy abuse cases often involve complex legal and ethical considerations, including statutes of limitations and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Survivor Opposition
Despite the announced agreement, not all survivors are in support. Several lawyers representing survivors voiced strong opposition to the settlement terms.
This proposed settlement was made in a secret backroom deal that the Archdiocese, the creditors committees and the mediators knew the overwhelming majority of victim-survivors would never agree to and will undoubtedly vote down.
Attorneys Soren Gisleson, Johnny Denenea, and Richard Trahant
The attorneys further stated, It makes no sense and is a continuation of the lifetime of abuse the Archdiocese has inflicted on these folks.
Pro Tip
Survivors of abuse frequently enough benefit from support groups and counseling services that provide a safe space for healing and recovery.
Approval Process
The settlement, intended to resolve a lawsuit initiated in 2020, is contingent upon several approvals. It requires endorsement from the survivors themselves, the bankruptcy court, and other creditors of the Archdiocese.
Aaron Hebert, who alleges abuse by a priest during his time as an eighth-grade student in the 1960s, described the proposed deal as an insult and a slap to the face.
hebert added, The Archdiocese of New Orleans and Archbishop (Gregory) Aymond are throwing this offer out to prevent victims and survivors from taking their claims to state court.
Safeguards and Survivor Services
The negotiating committee emphasized that the agreement includes measures designed to prevent future abuse and support survivors. These provisions include a survivors’ bill of rights and revisions to the Archdiocese’s procedures for handling abuse claims.
I am grateful to God for all who have worked to reach this agreement and that we may look to the future towards a path to healing for survivors and for our local church.
Archbishop Gregory Aymond
The lawsuit encompasses claims from over 500 individuals alleging abuse by clergy. The case has brought to light numerous church records documenting years of abuse allegations and a pattern of transferring clergy members without reporting the alleged crimes to law enforcement.
In 2018, the archdiocese publicly released a list identifying more than 50 clergy members who had been removed from their positions due to credible accusations
of sexual abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the total amount of the settlement?
- The settlement is for $179.2 million.
- Who will recieve the settlement money?
- Victims of clergy sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
- When will the money be distributed?
- After the church emerges from bankruptcy.
- Is the settlement finalized?
- no, it requires approval from survivors, the bankruptcy court, and other creditors.
- What else does the settlement include?
- Provisions to safeguard against future abuse and provide services to survivors.
