New Orleans Archdiocese Engages Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse

In February 2026, Archbishop Gregory Aymond of the New Orleans Archdiocese initiated a series of group meetings with survivors of clergy sexual abuse. This initiative is part of a settlement agreement stemming from a federal bankruptcy protection case that the archdiocese has been involved in since 2020. The settlement, which is expected to compensate approximately 600 survivors with a total of $305 million, includes non-monetary terms such as these meetings aimed at providing a platform for survivors to share their experiences.

The Guardian

The archdiocese scheduled ten group meetings, with two sessions daily over five days, coinciding with the Carnival season and Super Bowl LX festivities. Some survivors expressed dissatisfaction with the timing and logistics, particularly after the archdiocese mistakenly posted the wrong address for the meetings. Despite these challenges, Aymond emphasized the importance of listening to survivors in a more personal setting than a courtroom, stating, “I want to be able to hear that and to be able to personally bring that to prayer.”

The Guardian

Among the attendees was Andre Fourroux, who has alleged abuse by retired priest Joseph deWater. Fourroux expressed a desire for Aymond to acknowledge the experiences of survivors, stating, “Nobody listened to their children when they had something to say.” He indicated that he would consider addressing deWater's absence from the archdiocese's list of credibly accused clergy during the meetings.

The Guardian

The settlement agreement includes several commitments from the archdiocese, such as conducting individual meetings with survivors for up to a year, issuing apology letters to claimants, and establishing a “place of remembrance” for abuse survivors at the archdiocese's main office. Additionally, the archdiocese is required to remove any honors associated with clergy who have credible abuse allegations against them and to publish survivor stories on its website.

The Guardian

Archbishop Aymond has publicly apologized to survivors, acknowledging the church's past failures. He noted the urgency of conducting these meetings before his anticipated retirement, which he submitted as required upon turning 75 in November 2024. Aymond remarked, “I had promised that I would finish this before I retired,” highlighting his commitment to addressing the needs of survivors.

The Guardian

Despite the archdiocese's efforts, some survivors remain skeptical about the sincerity of the church's actions. Concerns have been raised regarding the absence of advocates during the meetings and the overall effectiveness of the church's response to the abuse crisis. Survivors like Fourroux continue to call for genuine listening and acknowledgment from church leaders.

The Guardian

While the archdiocese has committed to various measures to support survivors, discrepancies exist regarding the effectiveness and sincerity of these initiatives. Some survivors feel that the church's actions may not adequately address the long-standing issues related to clergy abuse.

The Guardian

• “I don’t think we know how anyone feels … And I want to be able to hear that and to be able to personally bring that to prayer.” — Archbishop Gregory Aymond

The Guardian

• “Nobody listened to their children when they had something to say.” — Andre Fourroux

The Guardian

The New Orleans Archdiocese's engagement with survivors marks a significant step in addressing the clergy sexual abuse crisis, though challenges and skepticism remain as the church navigates its commitments.

The Guardian