The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans has announced plans to release confidential personnel files of priests and deacons accused of child sexual abuse, marking a significant step in its ongoing effort to settle a federal bankruptcy case stemming from its clergy molestation scandal. The move, part of a broader package of non-monetary commitments, was unveiled Thursday as the archdiocese works toward resolving its bankruptcy reorganization, first filed in 2020.
The church and more than 500 survivors of clergy abuse remain at odds over the financial terms of a settlement. The archdiocese’s attorneys proposed paying about $125,000 to each claimant, while survivors have demanded $2 million per claimant from the church, its affiliates, and insurers. A federal bankruptcy judge has ordered the two sides to reach an agreement by late January 2024.
As part of the settlement negotiations, the archdiocese has agreed to release personnel files of clergy members with credible allegations of sexual abuse. This includes creating an online archive of the files, which would be available to the public. The church has committed to working with abuse survivors’ representatives to ensure the files are made accessible and that all abuse claims are reported to law enforcement within 90 days of the final settlement.
In addition to the release of files, the church has pledged to implement measures aimed at improving its child protection efforts. These include appointing abuse survivors, child safety experts, and legal professionals to its independent review board for at least the next decade. The archdiocese also promises regular audits of its child protection programs and the removal of any public displays honoring clergy members accused of abuse. These steps aim to demonstrate the church’s commitment to transparency and to prevent future abuse.
Survivors of clergy abuse have reacted positively to the disclosure of personnel files, though some expressed frustration that such actions were not taken earlier. James Adams, a prominent abuse survivor and former chair of the survivors’ committee, called the release of the files a “huge” development, but lamented that the church’s actions have been slow, despite the four and a half years and more than $40 million the archdiocese has spent on the bankruptcy case.
Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans has emphasized the church’s dedication to child safety, stating that the new commitments will strengthen existing programs designed to protect children in Catholic ministries. However, survivors and advocates have been critical of the church’s previous failures to address allegations of abuse, citing instances where investigations by the church’s independent review board were overruled by church leadership without clear explanations.
The archdiocese is also under investigation by Louisiana state police for suspected child sex trafficking, with a search warrant alleging that decades of sexual abuse within the church were covered up and not reported to authorities.
The proposed settlement does not address some broader issues raised by survivor advocates, such as expanding the definition of vulnerable adults who may be preyed upon by clergy members. Some survivors have called for laws that make it a crime for clergy to have inappropriate relationships with adults who are emotionally dependent on their religious guidance.
As the bankruptcy case continues, the church’s financial settlement and non-monetary commitments are still being negotiated, and it remains to be seen whether the proposed actions will bring closure to the survivors or if further measures will be needed to hold the church accountable.