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Public broadcasting radio station WYPR reported yesterday that survivors of childhood sexual abuse within the Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore will continue to have the opportunity to share their stories during ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, following a ruling by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michelle Harner.
Insurance providers tied to the Archdiocese attempted to block further testimony, arguing that emotional survivor statements could improperly influence the court. Century Indemnity Company had formally objected, stating that repeated accounts of abuse might sway both the judge and public opinion.
A plaintiff’s attorney representing survivors said, “The insurance companies were concerned that repeatedly hearing the horrors and the tragedies would somehow skew the court and the media and public opinion would somehow influence how the court might rule on certain matters.”
Judge Harner rejected those arguments, noting in a memo that survivor testimony is vital to the healing process and does not create undue prejudice. She wrote, “Allowing Survivors to participate in a status conference or other non-evidentiary proceeding before the court poses no greater risk of bias or prejudice than providing similar opportunities to any other party in interest in a bankruptcy case.”
Survivors voice frustration at delays
Nearly two years have passed since the Archdiocese filed for bankruptcy, leaving many survivors frustrated by the slow pace of proceedings. One survivor described the process in a letter to Judge Harner as “a circus,” citing secrecy and the millions of dollars in legal and administrative fees that have already been paid out.
According to court documents, more than $11 million has gone to law firms and financial advisors connected to the case.
Theresa Lancaster, both a lawyer and survivor, criticized insurance companies for deliberately dragging out mediation. “They’ll throw anything at the court to try to stop it,” she said. “The insurance companies are claiming that the testimonies are improper, but we say that it’s more than the money, it’s about the actual lives behind it. A lot of these people have suffered irreparable harm, and some tragically took their own lives as a result of childhood rape and that that should be known.”
Lancaster added that if no resolution is reached soon, Judge Harner could dismiss the bankruptcy case, which would force survivors to file individual lawsuits against the Archdiocese.
For survivors of Catholic Church abuse, the legal process is not just about money, it is about being heard, validated, and empowered to reclaim your life. To learn more about your legal rights and options, visit Survivors Rights’ Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide. You may also start your free case review by filling out the form below.
