Inside a Catholic Church in New Orleans back on December 1, 2012, a silhouette of a crucifix and a stained glass window caught the eye of many. The Archdiocese of New Orleans recently agreed to a hefty settlement of nearly $180 million for victims of clergy sexual abuse. This settlement, announced on Wednesday, is just the latest in a series of payouts by the Catholic Church to address such heinous acts. The agreement stipulates that the archdiocese, its parishes, and various insurers will contribute $179.2 million to a trust aimed at benefiting survivors. The funds will only be distributed once the church emerges from bankruptcy, as outlined in a statement by the negotiating committee.
Not everyone affected by the abuse is pleased with the settlement, with some survivors expressing their dissatisfaction through their legal representatives. Attorneys Soren Gisleson, Johnny Denenea, and Richard Trahant released a statement to The Associated Press, criticizing the deal as a “secret backroom agreement” that the majority of victims would never agree to. They believe that the settlement is a continuation of the abuse inflicted by the Archdiocese on the survivors. The survivors’ lawyers are not alone in their opposition; Aaron Hebert, who claims he was abused by a priest in the 1960s as an eighth grader, described the deal as “an insult and a slap to the face.” He believes that the Archdiocese is trying to prevent victims from pursuing their claims in state court by offering this settlement.
The proposed settlement, which aims to resolve a lawsuit filed in 2020, must be approved by the survivors, the bankruptcy court, and other creditors of the Archdiocese. Despite the discontent among some survivors, the negotiating committee highlighted the inclusion of “unprecedented” provisions and procedures in the agreement to prevent future abuse and provide services to survivors. These measures include a survivors’ bill of rights and changes to the Archdiocese’s process for handling abuse claims. Archbishop Gregory Aymond expressed gratitude for those involved in reaching the agreement and emphasized the importance of looking towards a future path of healing for survivors and the local church. The lawsuit involves over 500 individuals who have come forward with allegations of abuse by clergy members, shedding light on years of misconduct within the church. In 2018, the archdiocese released a list identifying more than 50 clergy members who had been removed from the ministry due to “credible accusations” of sexual abuse.
The road to justice for survivors of clergy sexual abuse has been long and arduous, with this settlement marking a significant step towards addressing the harm inflicted by the Catholic Church. While the agreement may not satisfy all parties involved, it represents a crucial effort to acknowledge the pain and suffering endured by survivors. Moving forward, it is essential for the church to uphold its commitment to safeguarding against future abuse and providing support to those affected. The Archdiocese of New Orleans must continue to work towards healing and reconciliation within the community, ensuring that the voices of survivors are heard and respected.
