A judge has postponed a crucial hearing in the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s bankruptcy case as the church and a committee representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse continue to work toward a resolution.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michelle Harner had scheduled a hearing for Wednesday and signaled that she was prepared to take steps including dismissing the case if the parties had not reached a deal.
Lawyers for the archdiocese and for the survivors committee then asked for a 45-day extension to continue mediation. They said that more time would “facilitate the conclusion of productive, good-faith negotiations toward a consensual resolution.”
In an order Friday, Harner wrote she believed it was “imperative that this case move swiftly towards a resolution — whatever that resolution may be.” She said she concluded that the additional time would “allow the parties to determine whether a consensual resolution is possible in this case or if an alternative path is needed.”
Harner reset the hearing for two days starting Nov. 19 in the Edward A. Garmatz U.S. Courthouse in Baltimore.
The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy right before the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 was set to take effect. The law lifted time limits for survivors to file lawsuits and made it easier for them to hold institutions accountable.
Lawmakers later cut the amount of damages that survivors could obtain through these lawsuits, as it became clear the state could face billions in liability.
About 1,000 people filed claims in the bankruptcy case, according to court records.
Comments
Welcome to The Banner's subscriber-only commenting community. Please review our community guidelines.