The Archdiocese of NO publishes personal files of clergy accused of abuse as part of the bankruptcy restructuring process

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – As the Archdiocese of New Orleans goes through a major bankruptcy process, it is implementing new policies and procedures aimed at preventing child sexual abuse. In a 35-page document filed Thursday (Nov. 7), the archdiocese said it wants to become the “gold standard” for child protection measures. However, one survivor is skeptical.

“From a position that I have been in for over 47 years, you have to take this with a grain of salt,” John Anderson said.

Anderson is one of more than 500 people who have filed abuse lawsuits against the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Since 2020, the archdiocese has been in bankruptcy proceedings as both sides attempt to reach an agreement that would provide financial compensation for the alleged victims. Although the parties are still far apart financially, they have agreed to a legal document outlining the measures the archdiocese will implement to prevent future child sexual abuse. Anderson said the agreement is long overdue, as are what he described as fair payments to victims.

“The survivors, the committees and the advocates have all fought so hard to get something done, and what matters most is transparency and accountability for what happened,” Anderson said.

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As part of the nonfinancial plan, the archdiocese has committed to creating a public database of more than 300 credible complaints against clergy and publishing personnel files of the accused individuals. Other reforms include a new regulation that prohibits priests from being alone with a child in the confessional during the sacrament of penance.

“This is almost a given for their own protection. They should have practiced this many years ago,” said Letitia Peyton.

Peyton, executive director of Tentmakers of Louisiana, an organization that supports survivors of clergy sexual abuse, said many victims have suffered in silence. She believes the archdiocese's plan to share survivors' stories could provide a path to healing.

“It's an amazing thing when someone is able to actually tell their story and get someone to listen to it. It’s like the chains fall off,” Peyton said.

“That’s why transparency is key. Everything we do in the future is for our children. That’s basically what it’s all about,” Anderson said.

In a prepared statement, Archbishop Gregory Aymond expressed the archdiocese's commitment to child protection, stating:

“The Church is committed to protecting children and preventing the evil of child sexual abuse in our Catholic communities, schools and ministries. I welcome this progress in our restructuring, but more importantly, I welcome the new funding to strengthen our existing, effective programs to keep our children safe across our services. I pray that our work with the committee will continue to be collaborative, with survivors at the center of decisions.”

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