BALTIMORE (MD)
Archdiocese of Baltimore MD
October 3, 2025
The Archdiocese of Baltimore filed a form Chapter 11 plan of reorganization on Friday, October 3 with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland, which proposes to provide compensation to victim-survivors of child sexual abuse committed by a number of clergy and employees of the Archdiocese over many decades. The form plan confirms the Archdiocese’s longstanding commitment to contribute to the healing of those harmed through monetary compensation, pastoral accompaniment and strong and effective child protection policies.
This present version of the plan proposes that the Archdiocese of Baltimore and affiliated Catholic entities, including parishes and schools, would contribute a combined $33 million to the Survivors Compensation Trust plus all insurance assets available to provide coverage for claims made by victim-survivors to settle the claims filed in bankruptcy court. While the Archdiocese of Baltimore continues negotiations to monetize the insurance assets to be contributed, the Archdiocese believes the insurance assets would provide hundreds of millions of dollars in recoveries for victim-survivors.
The Archdiocese looks forward to continuing conversations with the members of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors and insurers as they review the proposed plan with our shared interest in bringing healing to all who have suffered.
“While there is still much work to do, I am hopeful this form plan will aid us in ongoing conversations and will allow us to move forward toward a quicker resolution to these proceedings,” Archbishop William E. Lori said. “As the court process continues, with every day that passes, the suffering of victim-survivors is prolonged, which is why we must continue to act with urgency until the settlement is reached so that victim-survivors can receive compensation as soon as possible.”
The Archdiocese’s contribution to the settlement will be made regardless of the court’s determination of whether charitable immunity remains a valid defense.
The Archdiocese sought to reorganize under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on September 29, 2023, as a way to both equitably compensate victim-survivors of child sexual abuse and ensure the local Church can continue its mission and ministries.
Prior to the filing, the Archdiocese took deliberate steps over more than three decades to eradicate the scourge of child sexual abuse from parishes, schools and ministries and to provide care and support to those harmed. A total of 301 victim-survivors shared $13.2 million in compensation and counseling assistance, including $6.8 million that was paid toward 105 voluntary settlements under a mediation program led by retired non-Catholic judges. Among other measures, child protection efforts include the Archdiocese’s zero-tolerance policies, the public disclosure of credibly accused priests, extensive training, and requirements that all clergy and employees comply with State law on reporting suspected abuse to law enforcement authorities.
Contact: Christian Kendzierski
Tel. 410-547-5378
christian.kendzierski@archbalt.org