We know this is a hard time for Survivors as you wait for news. The Official Committee of Survivors wants to share an update on where things stand in the Archdiocese of Baltimore bankruptcy case.

The Committee has been closely involved in every part of this case. That includes meeting in person with the Archdiocese and its insurers in mediation. Mediation talks are confidential, so we can’t share details until all sides agree on what can be made public. We can say at this point, however, that after many hours of direct and in-person negotiations, some significant progress has been made, and we are hopeful that progress will continue. The situation is unusually complicated and involves many voices, but right now there is reason for cautious optimism about the future.

Given the recent progress, the Archdiocese and the Committee have agreed to push back court dates on several important legal issues by 45 days so that settlement negotiations can continue. The next hearings are set for November 19 and 20. At those hearings, the Court is scheduled to take up survivor claim objections, stay motions, and the new plan that the Archdiocese has filed.

The Committee and its lawyers at Stinson LLP are working hard on your behalf. Our goals have not changed:

• The best possible payment for Survivors under the bankruptcy rules.
• Strong child protection measures to keep children safe in the future.
• An outcome that holds the Archdiocese responsible to all Survivors for the harm they suffered.

We know the delay is frustrating. We believe the extra time is worth it as we keep pushing for a fair outcome, with less need for long and costly court fights.

Questions? If you have a lawyer, please contact your lawyer about your own claim. General questions or comments for the Committee can be sent to baltimoresurvivorteam@stinson.com. Every message is kept confidential and will get a reply.