Roman Catholic Archbishop of Baltimore, 672 B.R. 672

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Baltimore filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 29, 2023, ahead of a new Maryland law (the CVA) that eliminated the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims.
The bankruptcy triggered an automatic stay on litigation against the debtor, including actions implicating prepetition insurance policies that are considered property of the estate.
The bankruptcy case has delayed the ability of hundreds or thousands of alleged child sex abuse survivors to pursue direct claims, while mediation and plan negotiations are ongoing.
The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, composed of survivor-claimants, sought court time to allow survivors to address the court and other stakeholders in non-evidentiary status conferences.
The court previously held status conferences for survivors without opposition, but an insurer (Century Indemnity) objected to a renewed request for additional survivor statements, challenging the procedure and statutory authority.
The court now reviews whether such status conferences are appropriate under the Bankruptcy Code and applicable rules, given the circumstances and competing interests.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Authority to Allow Survivors' Statements at Status Conference	Survivors, through the Committee, requested the ability to address the court outside formal hearings to ensure meaningful participation.	Century argued there is no statutory authority and it risks prejudice/confusion.	Court finds authority under § 105(d), § 362, Rule 5001(b); status conferences are appropriate and not prejudicial.
Scope and Nature of Status Conferences	Committee argues non-evidentiary, procedural sessions are justified and routine in bankruptcy.	Century warns it could impact the substantive process or evidentiary record.	Court emphasizes conferences are non-evidentiary; safeguards in place to protect fairness.
Survivor Participation Requirements	Committee proposes any survivor with a filed proof of claim may participate.	Century implied stricter requirements or separate judge may be needed.	Survivors must have a proof of claim; Committee will certify status and protect privacy.
Opportunity for Other Parties to be Heard	Committee seeks survivor-focused time but recognizes other parties may later participate.	Century wants equal opportunity and procedural fairness.	Court will consider additional status conferences for any party in interest as warranted.

Conley v. Gibson, 355 U.S. 41 (purpose of pleadings is to facilitate merits-based decisions, not technicalities)
Truck Ins. Exch. v. Kaiser Gypsum Co., Inc., 602 U.S. 268 (expansion of participatory rights in § 1109(b) reorganization proceedings)
Law v. Siegel, 571 U.S. 415 (bankruptcy court cannot override explicit statutory provisions)
Chambers v. NASCO, Inc., 501 U.S. 32 (court's inherent power to manage docket and maintain process integrity)