NEW ORLEANS (LA)
NewsNation [Chicago IL]
August 16, 2025
By Rob Taub
The voting period for clergy abuse survivors in the New Orleans Catholic archdiocese’s bankruptcy saga is officially underway.
According to The Guardian, survivors have two months to accept or reject the church’s plan to settle following a federal bankruptcy judge’s approval of the plan. The church has been in bankruptcy dating back to 2020.
“This bankruptcy plan is a good outcome for abuse survivors, providing just and prompt compensation,” said Pat Moody, chair of a committee of survivors.
“If survivors vote to approve the Plan, they can expect to start getting payments within 3-4 months after approval. If survivors vote to reject the plan, I fear survivors won’t see any money for another 3-5 years, if ever.”
Up to 200 represented survivors who favor the bankruptcy being dismissed have acknowledged in court that the deal is “dead on arrival”. However, the approval of the plan will depend on how each claimant can expect to be compensated.
Each abuse claim will have a points-based system based on the gravity of the misconduct and impact on each victim’s life.
The deadline for claimants to cast their votes is Oct. 29th at 11.59 pm Central time. Also, proponents of the plan can extend the set deadline without court approval.
A hearing is set for Nov. 12 for a judge to confirm or reject the settlement.