US Catholic Church files for bankruptcy amid child sexual abuse lawsuits

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington, Vermont, United States, is facing over 30 lawsuits alleging child sex abuse by clergy.

This comes after settling 67 similar lawsuits since 2006, amounting to $34 million, according to a court filing.

In 2019, the state removed the statute of limitations on claims, leading to more cases against the diocese.

Bishop John McDermott revealed in the filing that most abuse allegations occurred before 2000.

A 2019 report confirmed “credible and substantiated” claims against 40 priests, with only one incident occurring after 2000. The diocese has since sold property and used funds to cover settlement costs.

“Due to the lack of insurance coverage and the Diocese’s depleted assets, the Diocese is concerned that too large of a settlement with a select group of pending cases or a judgment in favor of a single plaintiff could leave the Diocese with insufficient assets to fairly compensate other survivors and creditors,” McDermott said in the affidavit.

Attorney Celeste Laramie, representing about a third of the plaintiffs, accused the diocese of hiding assets, claiming, “For decades the Burlington Diocese covered up horrific sexual abuse of generations of Vermont’s children by sexual predators it employed as priests.”

John Evers, another attorney for the plaintiffs, expressed his anticipation of discovering more about the church’s assets.

Vermont’s case joins over 32 other dioceses across the U.S. that have sought bankruptcy protection.

Background

The issue of child sexual abuse by Catholic priests is a deeply disturbing and complex problem that has plagued the Church for decades.

With tens of thousands of victims globally, it’s clear that this is a widespread issue that requires immediate attention and action.

The Church’s response has been criticized for being inadequate, with many arguing that more needs to be done to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future abuse.

Despite these criticisms, the Church has taken steps towards reform.

Pope Francis has apologized and acknowledged the harm caused.

The pontiff has backed initiatives such as the Vatican’s Commission for the Protection of Minors and the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People aim to establish clear guidelines for reporting and preventing abuse.

However, the scale of the problem is daunting.

In Germany alone, a study found that 4.4% of Catholic clergy were alleged to have committed sexual abuse, with over 3,600 victims identified.

Similarly, in England and Wales, more than 900 complaints were made against over 900 individuals connected to the Church between 1970 and 2015.

The impact on victims and their families cannot be overstated. Survivors have reported lifelong effects, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Known Incidences

Diaspora Digital Media serves you some notable instances of child sexual abuse cases involving Catholic priests.

*United States:

1. Boston Archdiocese scandal (2002): Over 1,000 victims came forward, leading to settlements and reforms.
2. Philadelphia Archdiocese scandal (2011): Grand jury reports revealed widespread abuse and cover-ups.
3. Los Angeles Archdiocese scandal (2007): Files released showed decades of abuse and concealment.

*Ireland:

1. Ryan Report (2009): Detailed decades of abuse in Catholic-run institutions.
2. Murphy Report (2009): Exposed cover-ups in Dublin Archdiocese.

*Australia:

1. Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2013-2017): Investigated Catholic Church and other institutions.

*Canada:

1. Mount Cashel Orphanage scandal (1989): Abuse allegations led to convictions and settlements.

*Europe:

1. Belgian Bishop Roger Vangheluwe scandal (2010): Resigned after admitting to abusing a nephew.
2. German Catholic Church scandal (2018): Report revealed over 3,600 victims.

*South America:

1. Chilean Church scandal (2018): Pope Francis apologized for Church’s handling of abuse cases.

*Notable Figures:

1. Cardinal Bernard Law (Boston): Resigned after cover-up allegations.
2. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick (US): Defrocked after abuse allegations.
3. Archbishop Anthony Apuron (Guam): Removed from office after abuse allegations.

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