New Mexico Judge’s Ruling in Clergy Abuse Case Sparks Legal and Linguistic Concerns

Santa Fe, New Mexico – A recent ruling by a bankruptcy judge in New Mexico has highlighted the complexities involved in enforcing legal agreements in church bankruptcies concerning clergy sex abuse claims. This summer, Judge David Thuma denied a motion brought by Mela LaJeunesse, a claimant in the bankruptcy case involving the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, setting a precedent loaded with potential implications for similar cases nationwide. In June 2021, LaJeunesse’s attorney argued before the court that the Archdiocese was obligated under its reorganization plan to update a list of clergy accused of abuse by … Read more

Former Pittsburgh Steelers Player’s Ligonier Township Estate Sold as Personal Home, Dashing Hopes for Clergy Retreat Center

Ligonier Township, located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, saw the sale of a 133-acre estate previously owned by a former Pittsburgh Steelers player. The property, which was intended to be a retreat center for clergy and pastors, was purchased by a former Pittsburgh attorney who plans to use it as his personal home. The estate was sold for $3.76 million to Antonio “Tony” and Amy Dias of Miami in November. Tony Dias, a Wilkinsburg native who now practices law in Miami, expressed his fondness for the town of Ligonier and the property itself. According to Dias, … Read more