The Archdiocese of New Orleans has reached a nearly $180 million settlement to compensate victims of clergy sexual abuse, announced on Wednesday. This agreement, totaling $179.2 million, will be deposited into a trust for survivors and is contingent upon the Archdiocese’s exit from bankruptcy. However, many survivors and their attorneys have criticized the deal, claiming it was made in secret and does not reflect the consensus of the majority of victims, who are likely to reject it.
Lawyers for the survivors labeled the settlement as a “continuation of the lifetime of abuse” inflicted by the Archdiocese. Aaron Hebert, a victim of abuse in the 1960s, expressed his disdain, calling the settlement an “insult and a slap in the face.” He asserted that the Archdiocese is offering this settlement to deter victims from pursuing their claims in state court.
In addition to financial restitution, the agreement includes measures to prevent future abuses and provide support for survivors, such as a survivors’ bill of rights and revisions to how abuse claims are managed by the Archdiocese. Archbishop Gregory Aymond expressed gratitude for the efforts made towards this agreement, emphasizing hope for healing for both survivors and the church.
The underlying lawsuit involves over 500 individuals who allege abuse by clergy and has revealed extensive documentation of abuse claims and a pattern of church leaders transferring accused clergy without alerting law enforcement. In 2018, the Archdiocese identified more than 50 clergy members who had been removed from ministry due to credible allegations of sexual abuse. The settlement requires approval from the victims, the bankruptcy court, and other creditors of the Archdiocese.
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