Clergy Abuse Claimants Target Parish Assets | Boston News

A Vermont bankruptcy judge has cleared the way for clergy abuse survivors to pursue roughly half a billion dollars in parish assets, opening the door for lawsuits against nearly 70 local churches. While no guarantee of payouts, the ruling allows claimants to legally challenge ownership — potentially forcing years of costly litigation unless a settlement emerges. The diocese, already spending $2 million on legal fees and having paid $34.5 million in past settlements, now faces mediation or continued court battles. With over 100 pending claims and properties like its headquarters up for sale, the diocese fears further legal costs will cripple compensation efforts. Claimants’ lawyers urge swift clarity to push toward resolution, while the diocese seeks court approval to transfer its high school campus to a new nonprofit. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3009eb7d31d2a512