Photo: Getty Images
A federal bankruptcy judge has ruled that seven sexual abuse lawsuits against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany can proceed to trial. The decision comes as mediation efforts in the diocese's bankruptcy case have stalled, leaving hundreds of alleged victims without a settlement.
Judge Robert E. Littlefield Jr. lifted the stay on litigation, allowing these "test cases" to move forward. The lawsuits were filed under the New York Child Victims Act, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for abuse cases. The diocese filed for bankruptcy in 2023, putting many cases on hold.
The diocese expressed respect for the court's decision, stating, "We pray that today’s ruling is in the best interest of the survivors as they move forward in their healing process." However, they also noted concerns that this process might not effectively aid in reaching a global settlement.
Attorney Jeff Anderson, representing several claimants, called the ruling a "breakthrough moment" for survivors to advance their claims and hold the diocese accountable.
The Diocese of Albany is one of six dioceses in New York that have filed for Chapter 11 protection due to the overwhelming number of claims under the Child Victims Act. The trials are expected to pave the way for potential settlements, although no trial dates have been set yet.