NEW ORLEANS — In a significant legal development, the Archdiocese of New Orleans has agreed to pay nearly $180 million to victims of clergy sexual abuse, marking the latest in a series of settlements involving the Catholic Church. The settlement, announced on Wednesday, is aimed at resolving a lawsuit filed in 2020 and will benefit survivors of clergy abuse across the Archdiocese.
Settlement Details
According to a statement from the committee that negotiated the settlement, the Archdiocese, its parishes, and several insurers will contribute $179.2 million to a trust designated for the survivors. The funds will be distributed once the Archdiocese has emerged from bankruptcy proceedings. The deal is meant to resolve claims from over 500 people who allege they were sexually abused by clergy members.
The settlement comes after years of legal battles and accusations, culminating in the bankruptcy filing by the Archdiocese to address sexual abuse claims. The agreement includes provisions to safeguard against future abuse, including a survivors’ bill of rights and changes to the Archdiocese’s process for handling abuse allegations.
Survivor Reactions and Concerns
However, the proposed settlement has faced opposition from many of the survivors and their legal representatives. Lawyers for the victims, including Soren Gisleson, Johnny Denenea, and Richard Trahant, criticized the deal, stating that it was reached “in a secret backroom deal.” They argued that the overwhelming majority of victims would not agree to the terms and would likely vote it down.
In a statement, the lawyers emphasized that the settlement “makes no sense” and described it as a continuation of the abuse survivors have suffered. Aaron Hebert, who says he was abused by a priest in the 1960s, expressed his frustration, calling the deal “an insult and a slap to the face.” Hebert, who was an eighth grader at the time of the alleged abuse, accused the Archdiocese of attempting to avoid further litigation by preventing victims from pursuing their claims in state court.
Unprecedented Provisions for Future Protection
Despite the criticism, the Archdiocese defended the agreement, stating that it includes “unprecedented” measures to prevent future abuse and to offer support to survivors. Archbishop Gregory Aymond expressed gratitude for those who worked to reach the agreement, stating that it would help the Church begin a path of healing for both the survivors and the local church community.
A Long History of Abuse
The lawsuit involves extensive documentation of abuse allegations, revealing a disturbing pattern within the Archdiocese. Church records produced in the case outline numerous abuse claims over the years, as well as the practice of transferring accused clergy members without notifying law enforcement. In 2018, the Archdiocese released a list of over 50 clergy members who had been removed from the ministry due to credible allegations of sexual abuse.
Next Steps
The settlement agreement requires approval from both the survivors and the bankruptcy court, as well as other creditors of the Archdiocese. With the fate of the deal still uncertain, it remains to be seen how the survivors will respond and whether the agreement will ultimately be accepted.
Source Attribution:
- Archdiocese of New Orleans
- New Orleans Legal Committee
- Survivors’ Legal Representatives
- Archdiocese Bankruptcy Court Records