New Orleans Archdiocese to Pay $180M in Abuse Settlement

New Orleans Archdiocese to Pay $180M in Abuse Settlement

Introduction

The Archdiocese of New Orleans has agreed to pay $179.2 million to settle claims from hundreds of survivors of clergy sexual abuse, marking one of the latest major settlements involving the Catholic Church in the United States.

According to a statement from the creditors committee that negotiated the agreement, the funds will be placed into a trust for survivors. Distribution will begin once the Archdiocese exits bankruptcy proceedings.

Survivors and Attorneys Express Strong Opposition

Despite the announcement, many survivors have voiced strong objections. Attorneys representing numerous abuse victims condemned the settlement, calling it a “secret backroom deal” made without the support of the majority of survivors. “This proposal will undoubtedly be voted down,” they said, arguing that it perpetuates the harm survivors have already endured at the hands of the Archdiocese.

Survivor Calls Deal "An Insult"

One survivor, who says he was abused as an eighth grader in the 1960s, described the agreement as “an insult and a slap to the face.” He accused the Archdiocese and Archbishop Gregory Aymond of using the settlement to block victims from pursuing justice in state court, calling it an attempt to avoid full accountability.

Agreement Includes Prevention Measures

In addition to financial compensation, the deal includes provisions described as “unprecedented” for addressing future abuse. These measures include a survivors’ bill of rights and reforms to the Archdiocese’s process for handling abuse claims. The Archdiocese also stated that these changes are aimed at improving transparency and providing ongoing support to survivors.

Archbishop Praises Path Toward Healing

Archbishop Aymond expressed gratitude for those who helped facilitate the agreement. “I am grateful to God for all who have worked to reach this agreement and that we may look to the future towards a path to healing for survivors and for our local church,” he said in a public statement.

Case Involves Over 500 Abuse Survivors

The settlement seeks to resolve a lawsuit filed in 2020 involving over 500 individuals who allege abuse by clergy members. Church documents revealed during the case show decades of abuse and a pattern of relocating accused priests without notifying law enforcement. In 2018, the Archdiocese publicly identified over 50 clergy members credibly accused of abuse.