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.

The Town Hall will proceed virtually on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM Eastern time.  The session will provide Survivors with an:

• Update on the bankruptcy process and progress to date.
• Overview of upcoming steps in the proceedings.
• Opportunity to submit questions and receive answers from Committee members and legal professionals.

How to Participate:  The Town Hall is open to all Survivors, their attorneys, and other support persons.  Please note that only the Committee and its legal professionals will be visible during the meeting.  Participants will join as attendees and will not appear on camera or be identified to other participants.

Access the Town Hall:

• Zoom Link:  https://stinsonllp.zoom.us/j/96535572022?pwd=5T5nG0wAoAj9M1W4YlgTIB1MK3RvMM.1
• You may also log into the meeting manually by using the following ID and Passcode:
  • Webinar ID: 965 3557 2022
  • Passcode: 739616
• The following toll-free numbers are also available if you wish to listen only:
  • 877 853 5257 US Toll Free
  • 888 475 4499 US Toll Free
  • Webinar ID: 965 3557 2022

Questions Welcome:  Survivors may submit questions both before and during the Town Hall. No questions will be identified with a specific sender. If you’d like to submit a question before the Town Hall, please email baltimoresurvivorteam@stinson.com.  The Committee and its legal professionals will do their best to respond to questions during the meeting and will post answers following the Town Hall to http://www.BaltimoreSurvivors.com  Please note that we will not be able to address questions related to individual Survivor claims.  Such inquiries should be directed to the Survivor’s counsel.

You may view a recording of the meeting here.

The Judge overseeing the Archdiocese of Baltimore bankruptcy case has granted the Official Committee’s request for a third hearing for Survivors to present their impact statements before the Court.      

In 2024, the Court held two powerful and effective hearings where survivors were able to make impact statements before the Judge and the Archbishop.  These sessions provided survivors with a meaningful voice in the bankruptcy process and were well-received by all participants.  Recently, the Committee made a request for a third Survivor impact statement hearing before the court.  The Archdiocese and certain insurance companies objected to the Committee’s request arguing that the statements would compromise the Court’s impartiality, delay the bankruptcy process, and improperly influence judicial decision-making.  They also argued that any impact statements should be deferred until the end of the case. 

On August 11, 2025, Judge Harner issued a comprehensive decision rejecting the Archdiocese and insurers’ arguments.  In her opinion, Judge Harner emphasized that Survivors are “parties in interest” who have been prevented from pursuing their claims in regular courts.  She stated that providing Survivors opportunities to address the Court is warranted, necessary to the continued administration of the bankruptcy case and is supported by the bankruptcy law.  Judge Harner’s decision is an important victory and reinforces that all Survivors’ voices are meaningful and have a vital place in the process.

The impact statements will proceed on Monday, October 6, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern in Courtroom 9-C at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland, 101 W Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201 .  Survivors who have filed claims in the bankruptcy case and wish to participate should contact the Committee’s legal team at baltimoresurvivorteam@stinson.com.  If represented by counsel, please discuss this opportunity with your attorney beforehand.  Please check back to this website for additional details about the conference as they become available.