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.

A Survivor in New York was recently awarded $30 million by Supreme Court Justice Meagan K. Galligan.  Represented by Pfau Cochran Vertitis Amala, the Survivor was abused at a Boy Scout Camp by the defendant who was unlawfully posing as a doctor.   Details of this case can be read via this link.  Please be aware that details may be difficult to read and re-traumatizing for some Survivors.  From that article, Ben Watson an attorney representing the Survivor commented “This verdict is a major victory for Mr. Pringle and for survivors across New York.  It also sends a clear message to any individual or institution that believes they can get away with the sexual abuse of children: the law will hold you accountable.”

In what is a victory for all Survivors who find themselves part of a Diocese bankruptcy, a Survivor abused by a Diocese of Winona NY priest has been awarded $7.6 million by a jury.  This is an important development because the defendant in the lawsuit was US Fire Insurance, an insurer who chose not to settle with the Official Committee of Survivors in the Winona bankruptcy.  Now, that insurer is liable for this settlement and the costs associated with its defense.  Further information regarding the Winona decision can be found at Survivor Abused by Diocese of Winona Priest Sees Victory in the Courtroom, Awarded $7.6 Million – Jeff Anderson and Associates