NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – As the Archdiocese of New Orleans navigates a major bankruptcy filing, it is introducing new policies and procedures aimed at preventing child sexual abuse. In a 35-page document filed on Thursday (November 7), the archdiocese said it aims to become the “gold standard” for child protection measures. One survivor, however, is skeptical.

“Coming from the position I’ve been in for over 47 years, you have to take that with a grain of salt,” John Anderson said.

Anderson is one of more than 500 people who have filed abuse complaints against the Archdiocese of New Orleans. As of 2020, the archdiocese has been embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings as both sides attempt to reach a settlement that includes financial restitution for alleged victims. Although the parties remain financially distant, they have agreed on a legal document outlining measures the archbishop will implement to prevent future child sexual abuse. Anderson said the settlement is long overdue, as is what he calls fair payments to victims.

“Survivors and committees and advocates have all fought so hard to do one thing, and that really comes down to transparency and accountability for what happened,” Anderson said.

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As part of the non-monetary plan, the archdiocese pledged to create a public database detailing more than 300 credible claims against clergy members and to release the personnel files of those accused. Other reforms include a new rule that prohibits priests from being alone with a child in confession during the Sacrament of Penance.

“It’s almost common sense for their own protection. This should have been something they were already practicing many years ago,” said Letitia Peyton.

Peyton, executive director of Tentmakers of Louisiana, an organization that supports survivors of clergy sexual abuse, said many victims suffered in silence. She believes the archdiocese’s plan to share survivors’ stories could provide a path to healing.

“It’s an amazing thing when someone is able to tell their story and have someone listen to it. It’s kind of like chains coming off,” Peyton said.

“That’s why transparency is essential. Everything we do next is for our children. That’s what it’s really about when it comes down to it,” Anderson said.

In a prepared statement, Archbishop Gregory Aymond expressed the archdiocese’s commitment to child protection, saying:

“The Church is committed to protecting children and preventing child sexual abuse from occurring in our Catholic parishes, schools and ministries. I welcome this progress in our reorganization, but more importantly, I welcome the new means to strengthen our existing and effective programs for the safety and security of our children in all of our ministries. I pray that our work with the committee will continue to be collaborative, keeping survivors at the forefront of decisions.”

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