Baltimore Archdiocese Drops Immunity Defense Against Abuse Claims

The Baltimore Archdiocese and a committee representing child sex abuse claimants reached a settlement on the Catholic institution’s effort to use a charitable immunity defense just days ahead of a trial.

The archdiocese agreed not to assert the immunity defense as it applies to abuse claims in its Chapter 11 case, committee attorney Edwin Caldie of Stinson LLP said during a Wednesday pre-trial hearing in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland.

The archdiocese also agreed not to authorize parishes, schools and other affiliated Catholic entities to file bankruptcy unless they agree to the stipulation, he said.

Judge ...