Judge Sets New Deadline for Settlement in Archdiocese of New Orleans Bankruptcy Case
Stephanie Riegel, Times-Picayune/nola.com
“(Judge) Grabill took her strongest step yet to try to force a resolution, ordering the archdiocese to ‘show cause’ for why the case should not be dismissed….(S)he said that if significant progress toward a settlement is not made by a June 26 hearing on the matter, she will dismiss the case.”
As claims and lawsuits regarding child rape and molestation by local clergy were beginning to mount and the Archdiocese of New Orleans faced increasing public scrutiny and legal pressure to respond, the Diocese claimed bankruptcy in May 2020. Since then, efforts to mediate the claims have made some progress, but still remain significantly apart in their positions.
“In a statement after the hearing, the archdiocese said that dismissal ‘is not in the best interest of all survivors. We commit to continue to work under court supervision to bring this case to a resolution that is beneficial to all and provides for the continued safety of minors.'”
“‘It has been five years, and we are no closer today toward justice than we were then,’ said Brian Manix,” a clergy abuse survivor. “They say they are working out a plan to compensate us and know what is best. No one knows what is best for us. No one knows our trauma.”
