Today, the Honorable Jerrold N. Poslusny, Jr., United States Bankruptcy Judge in Camden, confirmed the Diocese’s Third Modified Eighth Amended Plan of Reorganization for resolution of the Diocese of Camden’s Chapter 11 reorganization.
This plan, which embodies the settlement reached with the Official Committee of Tort Claimant Creditors (the Survivors’ Committee) and first announced in April 2022, provides for the establishment of a substantial trust to compensate survivors of sexual abuse within the Diocese. The trust will be funded with $87.5 million from the Diocese and related Catholic entities over a five-year period. The settlement also includes maintaining and enhancing the protocols for the protection of children, which were first implemented by the Diocese in 2002.
Bishop Dennis Sullivan thanks Judge Poslusny for his dedication to providing a fair venue for this case and for ensuring the interests of the survivors and the Diocese of Camden were considered justly.
“I again express my sincere apology to all those who have been affected by sexual abuse in our Diocese. My prayers go out to all survivors of abuse and I pledge my continuing commitment to ensure that this terrible chapter in the history of the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey never happens again,” said Bishop Sullivan.
Bishop Sullivan also wishes to thank legal counsel for both the Diocese and the Survivors Committee for working together to reach a settlement that provides a just resolution for survivors, while also ensuring that the Diocese is able to continue to provide its services and ministries to the people of South Jersey.
The Diocese of Camden began Chapter 11 proceedings on October 1, 2020. For more information regarding the processes towards Chapter 11 plan confirmation, go to: https://camdendiocese.org/reorganization.
March 14, 2024
Letter from Bishop Dennis Sullivan
March 14, 2024
I write to you today to share news of significant importance to the Catholic Church of South Jersey. The United States Bankruptcy Court has confirmed our Chapter 11 settlement with survivors of sexual abuse. This decision opens a new chapter in the Diocese of Camden, allowing us to finally offer substantial reparations to survivors harmed by sinful priests dating back more than six decades.
While these three years of reorganization proceedings proved challenging, I appreciate the shared commitment to survivors among those who worked to bring this process to conclusion.
Once again, I express my sincere apologies and prayers to all those who have been affected by sexual abuse in our Diocese. I pledge my continuing commitment to ensure that this terrible chapter in the history of the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey never happens again. This settlement will enable the diocese to meet its obligations to the survivors of clerical abuse while we continue to serve the parishes, schools and those in need who utilize our social services throughout South Jersey.
I extend my gratitude to the survivors, our creditors, and all those involved in the reorganization proceedings.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D.
Bishop of Camden
See Bishop Dennis Sullivan’s letter regarding Diocese of Camden Chapter 11 Plan confirmed here.
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