Since 2006, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington has settled 67 lawsuits for a total of $34 million. The diocese now faces more than 31 additional lawsuits regarding child sex abuse allegations against clergy decades ago and has filed for bankruptcy protection as a result.
In 2019, the Vermont Legislature removed the statute of limitations for claims of sexual abuse, leading to a surge in lawsuits against the diocese. Bishop John McDermott’s affidavit highlights that 20 cases were settled post-legislation.
A report from the diocese revealed credible and substantiated allegations of sexual abuse against 40 priests since 1950, with all allegations occurring before 2000, and most priests involved are deceased.
The diocese expressed concern in its bankruptcy filing that large settlements or judgments could deplete their resources, hindering their ability to compensate all victims fairly, which is part of their goal in the bankruptcy process.
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