Saint Louis Cathedral, New Orleans / Adobe Stock
CV NEWS FEED // The Archdiocese of New Orleans has sold three properties this week, raising $2.3 million for an ongoing bankruptcy settlement for clergy sex abuse victims.
Nola reports that the bankruptcy settlement began in 2020. In fall 2024, the Church filed a reorganization plan offering the victims $62.5 million, but the victims countered, asking for $1 billion, a total that includes hundreds of millions of dollars in potential insurance claims. The church and victims have not yet reached an agreement on compensation.
Archdiocese spokesperson Sarah McDonald stated, “Putting a property back into commerce for the good of the community as we generate revenue to put towards a settlement is a positive step forward.”
The Archdiocese sold a vacant lot across the street from Notre Dame Seminary, a house used for clergy retreats, and the Bishop Perry Center, which used to provide services to those experiencing homelessness.
As CatholicVote previously reported, the Archdiocese filed the reorganization plan in September.
“As I shared with you when we filed for Chapter 11 Reorganization, our main priorities are to assist the abuse survivors on a path towards healing that includes fair and equitable compensation for them,” Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond wrote, “while creating a more financially sustainable archdiocesan ministry for the future.”
The plan includes non-monetary covenants, which the Archbishop described as “actions that we publicly pledge to take to continue our commitment to ensuring our parishes, schools, and ministries are safe places for all to grow in faith, be educated, and to participate in ministry.”
