NJ Diocese Dastardly Bankruptcy
A reorganization plan filed by the Diocese of Camden on New Year’s Eve is a sneak attack that aims to cut off the rights of sexual abuse survivors and limit how much money can go to claimants in the years ahead, according to attorneys who handle abuse claims from New Jersey residents.The Diocese, meanwhile, says it’s been extremely forthcoming with details and documentation, and needs to get the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process moving sooner rather than later, partly due to cost.
The Diocese of Camden filed Chapter 11 at the start of October, citing financial obstacles caused by the pandemic and payouts to victims of clergy abuse. On Dec. 31, it filed its plan of reorganization and detailed disclosure statement.
“It is a dark and dirty scheme, by this bishop and the Diocese of Camden and all the entities controlled by it, to deceive the public, to deceive the survivors … and to avoid accountability,” attorney Jeff Anderson told reporters. “Happy new year, survivors.”