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 baltimoresurvivorteam@stinson.com.

Mediation Held in October and December 2024 and More Sessions Scheduled for 2025

Mediation is ongoing between the Committee, the Archdiocese, and the Archdiocese’s Insurers. The first mediation sessions were held in October and December 2024, and more mediation sessions are scheduled for early 2025. The Committee must keep information about its negotiations confidential. This is something that the Court requires.

Survivors of abuse sometimes find this requirement 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. In addition, the Bankruptcy Process resource tab at the top of this webpage may provide some answers to your questions, and you are also welcome to contact the attorneys for the Committee, or have your own attorney(s) contact us at baltimoresurvivorteam@stinson.com. We always welcome your questions and thoughts.

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

Approximately 900-1,000 people have filed claims in the Archdiocese case. These numbers can be difficult to read, particularly for Survivors of abuse. If you are struggling, you may benefit from 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.