Parish Trusts Under Fire in Vermont Diocese Bankruptcy

Survivors of clergy abuse are fighting to seize $500 million in assets held by Vermont’s Catholic parishes, arguing the diocese secretly moved funds into trusts in 2006 to dodge responsibility. Despite paying $34.5 million in settlements, the diocese still faces over 100 pending claims. Lawyers say the move was a deliberate shield against survivor lawsuits, citing the former bishop’s defense of “unbridled, unjust” litigation. The case now hinges on whether these transfers violated Vermont’s fraudulent deeds law — a decision that could reshape the diocese’s financial future. Support the show:Get a discount at https://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/7cc12144678416e1