Judge Allows Abuse Survivors to Seek Adding Parishes, Schools to Vermont Diocese Bankruptcy Case

Judge allows abuse survivors to seek adding parishes, schools to Vermont diocese bankruptcy case

A judge has permitted abuse survivors to pursue the inclusion of Vermont's Catholic parishes and schools in settling claims against the Diocese of Burlington, which has been in bankruptcy proceedings since September 2024.

Federal bankruptcy judge says abuse victims can sue Vermont Catholic parishes in addition to diocese – BishopAccountability.org

[See also the judge’s decision.] Parishes are often shielded from litigation during federal bankruptcy proceedings, but Judge Heather Cooper said they potentially constitute the “largest assets” in the Burlington Diocese. Parishes in the Diocese of Burlington, Vermont, are “not separate legal entities” from the diocese itself and may be included in bankruptcy proceedings related to Church abuse cases, a federal court ruled this week. Judge Heath…