Baltimore, Maryland – Survivors of child sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore will have the chance to share their experiences in court during upcoming hearings. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michelle M. Harner has approved a request by the committee representing the survivors to allow victims to speak for two hours during scheduled “status conferences” on April 8 and May 20. Although the statements made during these conferences will not be considered as evidence, they aim to foster engagement and understanding within the ongoing bankruptcy case.
Notably, Archbishop William Lori, the leader of America’s oldest diocese, will be present in court while survivors share their stories. The church has shown support for giving victims the opportunity to testify. The advocacy for victim testimony garnered attention when the committee’s attorneys requested it in a recent filing.
The committee’s attorneys believe that allowing survivors to actively participate in the proceedings will humanize the bankruptcy process, which has so far been mostly centered on financial considerations. They assert that survivor involvement will expand understanding and underscore the importance of their perspectives. Additionally, they argue that it will build trust in the process and contribute to a more comprehensive settlement that focuses on the continued protection of children within the Archdiocese.
This development follows the Archdiocese’s declaration of bankruptcy on September 29, just days before Maryland’s Child Victims Act took effect. The law eliminated the previous time limit for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to bring legal action against their abusers and the institutions that enabled the abuse. By filing for bankruptcy, the Archdiocese aimed to protect its assets and limit its liability in anticipation of a potential surge in abuse-related lawsuits.
Under bankruptcy proceedings, lawsuits against the church that would have been processed publicly in state court may now be submitted as claims in bankruptcy court. These claims will undergo evaluation by experts who will determine the compensation owed based on the extent of the abuse reported. Survivors have until May 31 to file their “proof of claim” forms in bankruptcy court.
The inclusion of survivor testimony aims to bring a human touch to what has largely been a legal and financial endeavor. By providing survivors with a voice in these proceedings, the hope is to foster trust, promote understanding, and facilitate a fair settlement that prioritizes the ongoing protection of children within the Archdiocese. The scheduled hearings in April and May will enable survivors to share their experiences while the bankruptcy case continues to unfold.