BALTIMORE (MD)
Archdiocese of Baltimore MD
May 15, 2026
By Archdiocese of Baltimore
For Immediate Release:
May 15, 2026
Contact: Christian Kendzierski
Tel. 410-547-5378
christian.kendzierski@archbalt.org
As mediation in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process continues, the Archdiocese of Baltimore has submitted a proposed Plan of Reorganization to the Court. This step is in furtherance of the Archdiocese’s pursuit of accomplishing its dual objectives in its bankruptcy proceeding, in recognition of child abuse survivors’ rightful desire for a resolution of their claims, and in response to the Court’s direction to any party who intends to file a plan to do so by May 15. At its core, the proposed plan seeks to provide equitable compensation to survivors while sustaining the Church’s mission and ministries. It reflects a commitment to transparency and a realistic assessment of available resources.
While the Archdiocese remains firmly committed to reaching an agreed-upon resolution through mediation with representatives of survivors and insurers, no final agreement has yet been achieved. The proposed plan is intended to advance discussions, provide a framework for resolution and support continued dialogue among all parties. The proposal includes establishing an independent Survivor Compensation Trust to evaluate claims and distribute compensation to survivors. The Trust would be funded by contributions from the Archdiocese, its insurers, and participating parishes, schools, and related Catholic entities.
In order to achieve a unified and coordinated resolution, the plan contemplates parishes and certain Catholic entities choosing to participate in the Archdiocese’s plan of reorganization by filing, at a later stage, an abbreviated and streamlined version of Chapter 11. Should this prepackaged reorganization be filed, operations in the parishes and schools would continue without interruption. The terms of such bankruptcies would be established in advance, thus enabling them to be resolved in a short period of time and provide certainty and finality to the process.
The Archdiocese will continue to listen, to learn, and to seek a resolution that honors the dignity of survivors and strengthens the mission of the Church for generations to come.
Please continue to pray for all who have been harmed, for their healing and peace.