Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore Abuse News

In a landmark decision today, a Prince George’s County judge upheld the constitutionality of Maryland’s Child Victims Act, a ruling that marks a significant victory for survivors of child sexual abuse. This pivotal judgment came in the wake of a legal challenge by the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, setting a precedent that paves the way for survivors to seek justice against their abusers and the institutions that may have shielded such misconduct, regardless of when the abuse occurred.

The Child Victims Act, which took effect on October 1, last year, was heralded by advocates for providing a long-overdue legal pathway for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits against their perpetrators and associated organizations. This groundbreaking legislation was met with a series of lawsuits, signaling a collective move towards accountability and healing for countless people affected by abuse.

Despite the Washington Catholic Archdiocese’s immediate announcement to appeal the decision, the ruling stands as a beacon of hope for survivors. It emphasizes the judiciary’s recognition of the paramount importance of justice and accountability over procedural limitations that have historically barred many victims from seeking redress.

This development is especially poignant, reflecting years of advocacy and struggle to bring about legislative change that acknowledges the enduring impact of childhood abuse. Survivors and their supporters, who have tirelessly campaigned for the enactment of such laws, welcomed the judge’s decision as a validation of their efforts and a step forward in their journey toward healing.

For plaintiffs and our law firm representing survivors, this judgment not only reinforces the constitutional validity of the Child Victims Act but also emboldens their resolve to pursue justice. It underscores the critical role of the legal system in addressing and rectifying the wrongs of the past, offering a pathway to closure and restitution for those whose voices have been silenced for far too long.

As the legal battle continues, with the case expected to proceed through Maryland’s appellate courts, the implications of this ruling are far-reaching. It not only affirms the rights of survivors to seek justice but also signals a broader societal shift towards accountability, transparency, and the protection of the most vulnerable.

The Baltimore Sun has awarded C.T. Wilson its Marylander of the Year award for his inspiring leadership in the fight for the passage of the Maryland Child Victims Act. The Baltimore Sun got it right. C.T. Wilson is a hero.  He has been the driving force behind efforts to give adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse a right to compensation in the courts.  Through his perseverance and fortitude, particularly in the telling of his own story of abuse as a child, he led the Maryland General Assembly to pass landmark legislation that has changed the lives of thousands of Marylanders.  Way to go, Del. Wilson.  Way to go.

The Baltimore Sun has built the largest and only searchable database in the state, publishing Friday a list of 309 people with ties to the church who were accused of child sexual abuse or misconduct and lived or worked anywhere in Maryland, regardless of where the alleged acts occurred. It adds 107 names, researched by Sun reporters, to the people listed in the attorney general report issued in April.  You can search the Sun database to see if you may know an abuser who may be responsible for injuries to you or a loved one.  Notably, quoted in the article is our client, Kurt Rupprecht.  We urge you to watch Kurt’s Survivor’s Story video, here. 

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has filed for bankruptcy, so despite the passage of the Maryland Child Victims Act, survivors of Clergy abuse at the hands of the AOB are now funneled through the Bankruptcy Court. The Church says this is the only fair way to handle the claims. Some critics of the decision to opt for bankruptcy reorganization have speculated the church is merely protecting its assets or that the Archdiocese can seek financial help from the Vatican. Others have suggested the church is hiding assets or that it is flush with cash. Still, others believe the Archdiocese is using bankruptcy to avoid its moral obligation to aid survivors. What do you think?

Rob Jenner, Steve Kelly, and Phil Federico were all interviewed by the Baltimore Sun in advance of the battle to determine the constitutionality of the Maryland Child Victims Act. Robert K. Jenner, one of the lawyers representing the plaintiff suing the Washington diocese in Montgomery County, said that the legislature has the power to change the law. “They’ve created it and they can modify it. That’s been done before and it will happen in the future. There’s nothing unique about a legislative body changing a statute.”