For Immediate Release_Judge Orders Release Of Archdiocese Documents

For More Information
Erin Olson, Attorney
(503)348-2036
EOlson@ErinOlsonLaw.com

July 13th, 2009

Portland, Ore.—Over three years after the conclusion of the Portland Archdiocese bankruptcy, US Bankruptcy Judge Elizabeth L. Perris today ordered the release of more than a thousand pages of previously unreleased documents from the files of accused clergy of the Archdiocese of Portland, including clergy not previously identified as having been accused of abusing children. The order also authorized the release of transcripts of depositions taken by tort claimants during the Archdiocese of Portland’s bankruptcy case, including that of former Portland Archbishop William Levada, now Cardinal of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican. Documents summarizing the Archdiocese’s pattern and practice of ignoring allegations that its priests had sexually abused children were also directed to be unsealed in today’s order.

The order was the outcome of efforts of 22 tort claimants, represented by attorney Erin K. Olson, who were dissatisfied with the Archdiocese’s selective release of documents after Archbishop Vlazny’s public promise in April 2007 to release relevant documents relating to accusations of child abuse against priests. The tort claimants invoked a procedure agreed to by the Archdiocese in its bankruptcy case, identifying documents which had not yet been released by the Archdiocese and presenting them to Judge Perris for a release decision. Judge Perris reviewed the thousands of pages submitted, authorizing the release of most of the documents. 

Judge Perris’s 37-page opinion, incorporated into today’s order, analyzed and rejected the arguments of the Archdiocese and several individual priests who opposed the release and unsealing of documents, including arguments that the tort claimants lacked standing to seek the release of documents, and that priests who had not been the subject of legal claims and those against whom only one allegation of abuse had been made should not be identified. With respect to the latter argument, Judge Perris wrote, “Although debtor argues that false allegations have been made, and falsely accused clergy should be protected from the ‘stain of public accusation of child abuse,’ * * * it does not provide any evidence that would support a conclusion that these particular clergy were falsely accused, nor that the accusations against them were unsubstantiated.”

The deposition transcripts authorized to be released include those of former Archbishop William Levada , Auxiliary Bishop Kenneth Steiner, Fr. Charles Lienert, and Fr. Paul Peri – - all high ranking administrators for the Archdiocese of Portland when allegations of clergy abuse were brought to their attention.

"We’re thrilled Oregonians are one step closer to learning the truth about long-secret clergy sex crimes and cover ups," said Barbara Blaine of Chicago. Blaine is the founder and president of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.  “At the same time, we’re sad that Catholic officials continue to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, given by generous parishioners, to protect dangerous predators and their complicit colleagues. We’re especially grateful that Cardinal Levada’s deposition will be disclosed. Too often, those at the top of the church hierarchy succeed in keeping their own involvement in horrific child sex cases under wraps."

Judge Perris’s order stayed the release of the documents for 30 days to give the Archdiocese and the accused clergy and former clergy time to decide whether to appeal the order. “Whether the Archdiocese appeals, or funds an appeal by its clergy, will reflect the integrity of its commitment to transparency and the healing of those abused by its priests,” said Olson, who represented the tort claimants in the effort.

“Erin and her clients deserve a great deal of credit,” said Kelly Clark, an attorney who represented nearly 40 survivors who entered into an agreement with the Archbishop, whereby the Archdiocese would voluntarily disclose documents. That agreement resulted in a lengthy mediation and arbitration finalized last year, resulting in the Archdiocese being forced to release some, but not all, documents. “Erin called this one spot-on: she was right that the Archdiocese could not be trusted to follow through on its promises. I applaud her tenacity and hard work,” said Kelly Clark.

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View the official decision here.

For More Information Contact:

David Clohessy, SNAP: (314) 566-9790 (Cell)
Stephen Walsh, Tort Claimant Spokesman: (510) 260-7297
Peter Carlich, Tort Claimant Spokesman:(541) 528-3380

Posted on Monday, July 13th, 2009, in Announcements, Our Work In the News | No Comments »
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