Archdiocese of New Orleans to release personnel files of clergy accused of sexual abuse | National Catholic Register

Additionally, the archdiocese will publish a public apology in the archdiocesan newspaper addressed “to all known child sexual abuse plaintiffs.”

The Archdiocese of New Orleans said this week that it will release personnel files of priests accused of sexual abuse while negotiations there continue on a comprehensive settlement over abuse.

In September, the archdiocese proposed a bankruptcy settlement and offered $62.5 million in compensation to victims as part of its plan to combat clergy sexual abuse. Survivors of the abuse have demanded about $1 billion.

On Thursday, the archdiocese said in an announcement that it had agreed to “incorporate non-monetary plan provisions into the bankruptcy plan,” which will include “enhancing public accountability and transparency.”

Court documents filed Thursday said the archdiocese would contract with a college or university to partially release “personnel files” of any “clergy, former clergy, religious or lay persons” identified by the archdiocese as perpetrators of sexual abuse.

The release of the files would “promote healing and reconciliation” and help prevent future sexual abuse of children, the court documents said.

In a statement Thursday, New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond said the church is “committed to protecting children and preventing the evil of child sexual abuse in our Catholic parishes, schools and ministries.”

“I welcome this progress in our restructuring, but more importantly, I welcome the new funding to strengthen our existing, effective programs for the safety of our children across our services,” the prelate said.

“I pray that our work with the committee will continue to be collaborative and that survivors will be at the forefront of decisions.”

In documents filed Thursday, the archdiocese also agreed to “send written letters of apology to each person who has filed a child sexual abuse claim there.”

Additionally, the archdiocese will publish a public apology in the archdiocesan newspaper The Clarion Herald, is aimed “at all known child sexual abuse plaintiffs.”

In addition, the archdiocese will provide space for abuse victims to share their stories on its website and will establish a “place of remembrance” for victims of sexual abuse in the diocesan chancery.

And the archdiocese will remove from its property “any plaques, images, statutes or other public recognition” of any diocesan official credibly accused of sexual abuse.

The archdiocese has been working on the bankruptcy process for nearly half a decade, having first filed for bankruptcy in May 2020.

Last year, the archdiocese announced the “difficult and painful decision” to consolidate 11 parishes, permanently close seven churches and consolidate three territories to ensure sustainability and vitality.

Last September, the archbishop said the archdiocese would ask parishes, schools and ministries for financial contributions to protect their assets during the ongoing bankruptcy process.