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Money remains key hurdle in Baltimore Archdiocese abuse-claims negotiations
The Archdiocese of Baltimore and a committee representing survivors said they made progress in bankruptcy settlement talks, with three days of mediation set for next week. The amount of compensation remains unresolved, and a court-appointed confidentiality order keeps the proposed terms private.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore and a committee representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse reported progress in settlement negotiations during a bankruptcy court hearing Friday, Oct. 23, but the amount of any potential payout remains unsettled.
The parties plan to spend three full days in mediation next week. Catholic parishes, schools and affiliated organizations have joined the discussions, bringing the number of negotiating parties to three, according to information presented at the hearing.
A lawyer told the court that the broad structure of a plan is not the main obstacle; the parties are still negotiating its financial terms. The Archdiocese and survivors’ committee hope to reach a settlement by the end of the year, a deadline the judge emphasized.
Teresa Lancaster, an attorney and abuse survivor, said she was encouraged by the movement but wary of raising expectations. Survivors have experienced repeated setbacks, she said, and she urged that any agreement include protections for children in the future.
The archdiocese said it remains committed to reaching a resolution and to providing meaningful compensation to survivors while continuing its service mission. Court-ordered confidentiality means the framework under discussion and proposed financial details have not been made public.
The negotiations are part of the archdiocese’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, which is addressing claims related to clergy abuse. The outcome will determine compensation for survivors while also shaping the financial future of the archdiocese and the parishes and institutions involved.