Message from the Survivors’ Committee

Dear Survivors, those supporting Survivors, and others interested in the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Baltimore bankruptcy case:

On behalf of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Survivors’ Committee”), welcome to the Baltimore Survivors’ webpage. We, the Survivors Committee, were appointed by the U.S. Trustee’s Office to advocate on behalf of all Survivors of abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The Survivors’ Committee is made up of seven Survivors of abuse related to this Archdiocese, whom represent a diversity of ages and genders. As Survivors ourselves, we understand the pain and trauma that other Survivors may be experiencing during this bankruptcy case. We understand that each Survivors’ journey is unique, and we empathize with each one of you as we navigate and process the trauma we have all experienced. Whether you are just beginning that journey or have been on it for many years, we are with you. We have designed this website to help with the questions you may have about the bankruptcy case.

This website provides the following information regarding the bankruptcy case of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s bankruptcy case:

News feed detailing case events and the Survivors’ Committee’s activities
Overview of the bankruptcy process
Diocesan Bankruptcy frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Mental health resources for Survivors

The website will be regularly updated over the course of the case. The Survivors’ Committee hopes Survivors find this information useful, and encourage any Survivors with questions to contact their personal attorneys or the Survivors’ Committee’s bankruptcy counsel, Stinson LLP. To contact Stinson LLP, you may email Doug Kennedy at doug.kennedy@stinson.com, Nicole Khalouian at nicole.khalouian@stinson.com, or Jess Rehbein at jess.rehbein@stinson.com.

The Committee Estimates 900-1,000 People Have Filed Claims in the Archdiocese Case

In a hearing on October 15, 2024, counsel for the Committee explained to the court that somewhere between 900-1,000 people have filed claims in the Archdiocese case. The number of estimated claims filed exceeds the Maryland State Attorney General’s report released in April 2023 documenting more than 600 children abused. More information can be found in an article by the Baltimore Sun here: Attorney: 900 to 1,000 filed sex abuse claims in Archdiocese of Baltimore bankruptcy case – Baltimore Sun.

These numbers can be devastating to read, particularly for survivors. If you are struggling at all, we strongly encourage you to refer to the Resources for Survivors tab at the top of the is webpage which can also be found here: Mental Health Resources for Survivors.

The Archdiocese Lawsuit Against Insurers Dismissed Without Prejudice

On August 13, 2024, the Archdiocese voluntary dismissed its lawsuit against insurers related to insurance coverage issues. The case was dismissed without prejudice which means that the Archdiocese may re-file the complaint and re-start the case in the future. The Archdiocese voluntarily dismissed the case as part of an agreement made between the Committee, the Archdiocese, and the insurers to begin the process of mediation. The parties also agreed that if mediation stalls, the Archdiocese lawsuit against the insurers can start up again, and the Committee may be included as a formal party to that lawsuit.

Mediation Will Start Soon

The Committee, the Archdiocese, and Insurers in the case have reached an agreement on the process by which mediation (settlement negotiations) can begin. The parties agreed on two mediators, Judge Robert Faris and Mr. Brian Nash, and the Insurers will be allowed to choose a third mediator with specific expertise on insurance issues. The agreement also included a dismissal of the Archdiocese’s lawsuit against its insurers regarding insurance coverage issues, but the parties agreed that the Archdiocese’s lawsuit could be restarted if mediation stalls. Finally, the parties agreed that, if the lawsuit against the insurers starts up again, the Committee will be included as a formal party to the lawsuit. The Committee’s direct involvement in the lawsuit will provide greater rights for Survivors in determining whether Survivor claims must be paid by insurance companies.

The Committee is optimistic about this agreement and believes it will positively impact mediation and reduce delay. As the parties negotiate, the Committee will focus on getting the largest monetary settlement possible for Survivors and on improving the Archdiocese’s existing policies and guidelines to protect children.

During mediation, the Committee will need to keep information about its negotiations with the Archdiocese and the Insurers confidential. This is something that the Court requires. Survivors sometimes find this challenging because they do not have information about how things are progressing. If you have questions, or are experiencing frustration during the mediation, remember that the Committee is made up of seven Survivors, and that they are dedicated to representing all Survivors in the case as effectively as possible. You are also welcome to contact the attorneys for the Committee, or have your own attorney(s) contact us, any time. We always welcome your questions and thoughts.