The Archdiocese of Baltimore previously claimed that it had no legal obligation to pay survivor claims due to something called “charitable immunity.” The Committee of Survivors filed a lawsuit to prove otherwise. A trial on the Committee’s lawsuit was scheduled to start on December 15, 2025. On December 12, 2025, the Archdiocese agreed, in writing, that it would not use “charitable immunity” to avoid legal responsibility pay Survivor claims in bankruptcy. 

Committee Chair Paul Jan Zdunek commented “We believe the elimination of Charitable Immunity as a defense available to the RCAB in this case removes a significant obstacle to achieving finality for all Survivors in the case and we hope it will also create momentum and a renewed focus on settlement.”   

This is an important victory for Survivors.  Now, the Official Committee will continue its work in and out of mediation to create a fair and equitable financial settlement for all Survivors, that will also include the youth protection policies necessary to ensure the safety of children in the future.  Survivors who are represented by attorneys should direct questions related to their cases to their attorney.  If you have questions about the bankruptcy process in general, you may email Stinson LLP via baltimoresurvivorteam@stinson.com.  Every message will receive a response.

Survivors involved with the Archdiocese of New York and Archdiocese of New Orleans have seen important developments recently.  

In New York, the Archdiocese has announced it enter a formal negotiation process with attorneys for Survivors and commit at least $300 million to compensate the 1,300 victims of sexual abuse with claims pending against the church. Additional information may be found here.  

In New Orleans, Survivors and the Archdiocese reached a settlement of $230 million, approved by the bankruptcy court, to address the claims of approximately 600 Survivors who have been a part of this bankruptcy since it was filed in May of 2020. Further information about the New Orleans case can be found here. 

Both of these developments point to the recognition that significant financial settlements are appropriate to address the harm that Survivors have endured during their lifetime.  While every bankruptcy proceeding is unique, these are positive developments for Survivors.  If you have legal representation and questions related to your case, you should direct them to your attorney.  If you have questions about the bankruptcy process in general, you may email Stinson LLP via baltimoresurvivorteam@stinson.com.  Every message will receive a response.

Recently, the Archdiocese filed objections to some (but not all) Survivors’ claims filed in this bankruptcy. The Bankruptcy Court approved a uniform procedure for all of these objections. The following FAQs provide a summary of these procedures, but please consult the Cout’s order, Microsoft Word – RCAB Order on Claims Objection Responsesv4.docx, or your attorney for complete details:

What is the deadline?

You MUST respond to the claim objection before January 31, 2026.

What if I miss the deadline?

Your claim may be disallowed. This means you are no longer a creditor in the bankruptcy. You will not be able to participate in any monetary settlement, and this might prevent you from recovering any money in any future lawsuit.

What do Survivors need to do now?

On or before December 12, 2025, the Archdiocese will contact you or your lawyer to confirm whether your claim is one that has been objected to.

If your claim has been objected to you MUST do the following before January 31, 2026:

• File a short notice with the Court.
• The notice must say:
  • If you oppose the Debtor’s position;
  • If you agree with the Debtor’s position; or
  • If you need additional time to consider the Debtor’s position.

How do I file?

Your attorney needs to file your response. If you don’t have an attorney you can visit this link for a guide on how to file on your own: https://www.mdb.uscourts.gov/dont-have-a-lawyer

Do I have to prove my claim in court?

Not right now, but eventually you might.  If you get notice that the Archdiocese objected to your claim, you will eventually need to provide evidence and respond specifically to the Archdiocese’s objection. The Court will tell you when you need to provide additional evidence, but it does not need to be included in the response you file on or before January 31, 2026.

Can I get information from the Archdiocese about my abuser?

If you need more information, or want the Archdiocese to produce evidence that supports its objection, you can contact the attorneys for the Archdiocese: Blake Roth (Holland & Knight LLP) by email at blake.roth@hklaw.com or by telephone at 615-244-6380. 

Mr. Roth is required to respond to your request within 3 business days.

What Happens After January 31, 2026?

After reviewing all the responses filed by Survivors, the Court will enter a scheduling order regarding unresolved claim objections. You should continue to monitor your mail, email, and the Court’s docket to see if you need to take action to defend your claim.