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.

On Thursday, October 30, the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland issued several rulings concerning the Debtor’s bankruptcy case and the related proceeding brought by the Committee. As a result of the Court’s rulings, the adversary proceeding regarding the application of charitable immunity will continue to trial on December 15, 2025. During that trial, the Court will consider whether the Debtor may use “charitable immunity” as a defense to the claims of survivors.

If you have any questions regarding charitable immunity or the bankruptcy case generally, please discuss them with your attorney if you are represented.  Please also feel free to contact the Committee at baltimoresurvivorteam@stinson.com and continue checking this website for further updates.