NEW ORLEANS (LA)
WDSU [New Orleans]
May 23, 2025
By Aubry Killion
New court records reveal strong opposition to the reappointment of a mediator to the Archdiocese of New Orleans bankruptcy case.
Survivors of clergy sex abuse filed a request in court to remove Judge Chris Sontchi as a mediator in the bankruptcy case of the Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
The records include serious allegations tied to the archdiocese’s efforts to settle its five-year bankruptcy proceedings.
According to filings by attorneys representing alleged clergy sex abuse victims, attorneys for all the victims claim Sontchi should not be reappointed due to a loss of trust.
Survivors and their legal representatives were allegedly kept in the dark while other parties were informed of the agreement’s terms.
Allegations further state that, at the conclusion of the May 16, 2025, mediation, Jim Stang entered the state court counsel’s mediation room to announce that a settlement had been reached between the Archdiocese and the Committee, but its terms were to remain secret until 5 p.m. on May 21, 2025. Notably, Sontchi failed to personally inform state court counsel of the settlement.
Additional accusations assert that by endorsing this secret agreement, Sontchi granted significant advantages to the Debtor and the Committee at the expense of survivors. Survivors were allegedly left to learn about the settlement through media reports, triggering emotional distress among many.
Specific claims allege that Judge Sontchi permitted Archbishop Aymond to disclose the settlement to clergy members while prohibiting state court counsel from discussing it with their clients. This alleged breach of ethical responsibilities left counsel attempting to manage the resulting harm to their clients as of the filing date.
At a reported hourly rate of $1,500, the highest known rate in this bankruptcy case, survivors’ attorneys argue that Sontchi’s poor judgment and actions will lead to costly delays, further expenditures, and efforts to push a plan they believe is doomed from the outset. Survivors, according to these court records, deserve a mediator who prioritizes their interests and respects their chosen legal representatives.
During a court hearing held Friday, attorneys representing the Archdiocese of New Orleans argued that if Sontchi was not on the case it would be “a disaster.”
It was ultimately decided that Sontchi would be allowed to remain on the case as a mediator.
Archbishop Gregory Aymond was also in court, per the judge’s request.