On November 5, 2025, 10 Survivors presented their impact statements at a hearing before the Bankruptcy Court. Archbishop William Lori and other Archdiocesan representatives were also present to hear the statements. The Committee is grateful to the brave Survivors who shared the truth about their abuse and its effect on their lives. At this time, no additional hearings for the presentation of impact statements have been scheduled or approved, but additional hearings may be allowed by the Court if additional Survivors express an interest in presenting a statement.

During our town hall meeting with Survivors, and throughout this bankruptcy, the Committee has heard a number of concerns about why this bankruptcy case is taking so long to reach a settlement. The Committee shares these concerns. One major obstacle has been the Archdiocese’s claim that it has legal immunity (what is called “charitable immunity” in Maryland). “Immunity” would mean that the Church is not required to pay Survivors any money, and so any settlement would be a gift or an amount paid by the Archdiocese on its own terms. This position is unacceptable to the Committee for many reasons.

To address the Archdiocese’s unacceptable position, the Committee filed a lawsuit asking the Bankruptcy Court to overrule the Archdiocese’s immunity defense. Recently, the Committee laid out its legal case in a motion for summary judgment. If the Committee succeeds, we are hopeful this case will move towards a prompt resolution, and Survivors will be able to negotiate with the Archdiocese in a less one-sided way.

If the Bankruptcy Court disagrees with the Committee’s position on immunity, then the Committee has asked that the Court dismiss the bankruptcy case. The Committee, comprised of seven Survivors, did not make this decision lightly. Instead, in a world where the Archdiocese is immune from Survivors’ claims, the Committee considered that the bankruptcy process likely causes more delay and harm to Survivors and cannot provide them with a fair outcome.

To be clear, the Committee has not given up hope that this bankruptcy process can be resolved and reach a fair settlement for Survivors. Instead, the Committee has requested that the bankruptcy be dismissed only if the Archdiocese is found to be immune from paying Survivors any monetary damages. In that limited case, the Committee believes bankruptcy is the wrong place to reach a resolution.

Previously in this bankruptcy, Survivors have addressed the Court and Archbishop directly to make clear the impact of abuse suffered. These statements, given without questioning from any party, are crucial for conveying the devastating effects of abuse. The Official Committee is exploring the possibility of scheduling another hearing for additional Survivor statements. If you wish to participate, please inform your attorney. Those without legal representation can email baltimoresurvivorteam@stinson.com. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.