May 30, 2024
Dear Friends in Christ,
As part of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Chapter 11 reorganization, a federal judge in December set May 31 as the deadline for victim-survivors who were harmed by a representative of the Archdiocese, to file a claim to participate in the process.
The scourge of child sexual abuse in the Church has had a lasting effect on many individuals who were the victims of this unimaginable abuse. Tragically, this includes those who were innocent children whose lives were severely harmed. Their pain and suffering are very real, and I continue to offer a heartfelt apology for the trauma they have endured.
We do not yet have an accounting for all of the claims filed, nor do we know their full nature. While many of the claims are abuse-related, the total number will also include a good amount of business and other claims not related to abuse. Even so, this week’s deadline is a stark reminder that behind each abuse-claim lies a personal and painful story. Our goals in filing for Chapter 11 include compensating those individuals with the aim of helping to provide a possible path toward healing.
With the Survivors Committee, the Archdiocese recently filed a joint motion in court to ask a judge to appoint two highly qualified mediators to guide this process. The Archdiocese remains committed to working with the Survivors Committee and others to achieve an agreed-upon resolution of these reorganization proceedings.
While the May 31st court deadline relates to filing legal claims, it does not end the moral obligation of the Archdiocese to respond compassionately to those who were harmed. We can never undo the harm that was done to many, nor can we lessen the evil of what has happened, we can however continue to walk with those who have been harmed and do all we can to contribute to their healing. We will also continue to work together to make the Church the safest environment possible.
Please pray for the victim-survivors and for the Church – and know of my prayers for you.
With kindest personal regards, I am
Faithfully in Christ,
Most Reverend William E. Lori
Archbishop of Baltimore