The Archdiocese of New Orleans has agreed to pay nearly $180 million to victims of clergy sexual abuse in a settlement announced on Wednesday. This agreement involves the archdiocese, its parishes, and several insurers contributing $179.2 million into a trust for survivors. The distribution of funds will occur following the church’s emergence from bankruptcy.
However, many survivors have expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposed settlement, describing it as a “secret backroom deal” not reflective of the agreement’s acceptance by the overwhelming majority of victim-survivors. Attorneys representing these victims criticized the deal, stating it perpetuates the abuse experienced by survivors. Aaron Hebert, a victim from the 1960s, called the settlement “an insult and a slap to the face,” alleging that it aims to prevent survivors from pursuing their claims in state court.
While the settlement is meant to resolve a lawsuit filed in 2020 and still requires approval from the survivors and the bankruptcy court, the committee claimed that the agreement includes “unprecedented” provisions to prevent future abuse, establish a survivors’ bill of rights, and reform the Archdiocese’s handling of abuse claims. Archbishop Gregory Aymond expressed gratitude for the progress towards healing for survivors and the local church.
The lawsuit addresses over 500 individuals who allege they were abused by clergy members, revealing extensive church records detailing years of abuse claims and a notorious pattern of clergy transfers without reporting to law enforcement. In 2018, the archdiocese had previously released a list of over 50 clergy members who were removed due to credible accusations of sexual abuse.
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