Judge Tosses Several Victims In Milwaukee Archdiocese Case

A federal judge has removed several clergy abuse victims from the bankruptcy case of the Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Bankruptcy Judge Susan Kelley has bounced nine of the 10 sex abuse victims the church asked to be kicked out of the case at Wednesday’s court hearing. Among the nine, Monica Barrett, a member of the group Survivor Clergy Leadership Alliance, whose lawsuit against the archdiocese 20 years ago was thrown out by a county judge. Barrett said she now feels re-victimized.

“Absolutely, and I believe that’s the goal of many of these summary judgments actions were brought against people who have spoken out publicly against the archdiocese,” she said.

The archdiocese said it’s unfortunate a victim’s attorney didn’t encourage more clients to access a mediation system instead of filing lawsuits.