New Orleans Archbishop Engages with Survivors in Mandated Abuse Settlement Meetings
Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans has commenced a series of group meetings with survivors of clergy sexual abuse, as required by a substantial $305 million settlement agreement. This initiative forms part of the resolution of the archdiocese's federal bankruptcy protection case, which was settled in December after six years of litigation.
Details of the Settlement and Meeting Schedule
The New Orleans archdiocese is among over 40 Catholic organizations in the United States to have sought bankruptcy protection amidst the global clergy abuse scandal, with 29 having now settled such cases. The settlement, expected to benefit approximately 600 abuse survivors, includes non-monetary terms such as these group and one-on-one meetings. A schedule was established for ten group sessions, with two meetings held daily over five days starting on 6 February.
Some survivors expressed dissatisfaction with the timing, noting conflicts with Carnival season parades and Super Bowl LX viewing parties in New Orleans. In response, Archbishop Aymond expressed bewilderment at the criticism, highlighting that the meetings were advertised in January and emphasising a sense of urgency due to his impending retirement.
Survivor Perspectives and Historical Context
Prior to these sessions, Aymond spent two days in December listening to testimony from more than two dozen abuse victims in federal bankruptcy court, concluding a case that was often contentious and incurred over $55 million in legal fees for the church. During the first group meeting, Aymond emphasised the goal of listening to survivors in a non-courtroom setting, acknowledging the long-term challenges many have faced post-abuse.
Among attendees was Andre Fourroux, who has made allegations against retired New Orleans priest Joseph deWater. In 2021, deWater admitted in an interview to purchasing bikini swimsuits for a boy decades ago but denied wrongdoing and has not been added to the archdiocese's list of credibly accused clergy. Fourroux stressed the importance of listening to survivors, stating that the clerical system needs to address these historical issues properly.
Logistical Challenges and Settlement Terms
The initial meeting encountered minor logistical issues, including an incorrect address posted on the archdiocese's website, necessitating the archbishop's car to pick up a group of survivors. Additionally, the church agreed to forgo a hired facilitator after survivors raised concerns, though they were prohibited from bringing advocates into the meetings.
The settlement, approved by a federal bankruptcy judge in December, includes a $230 million agreement from October with hundreds of victims and other creditors, supplemented by a $75 million contribution from the church's largest insurer, Travelers. Key provisions allow survivors to request individual meetings with Aymond for up to a year, require the church to send apology letters to each claimant, and mandate the removal of honors for clergy with credible abuse allegations. The archdiocese will also publish survivor stories on its website and add a "place of remembrance" for all abuse survivors at its main office.
Archbishop's Retirement and Future Implications
Although the settlement provides 18 months to hold the group meetings, Aymond opted for the condensed February schedule due to the Vatican's potential acceptance of his retirement. He submitted his retirement upon turning 75 in November 2024, as per church requirements, and expressed a commitment to completing these sessions before stepping down. This move underscores the ongoing efforts within the Catholic Church to address and reconcile with past abuses, setting a precedent for accountability and survivor support in New Orleans and beyond.
