Emotional testimony from survivors of child sex abuse echoed through a federal courtroom on Monday as the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s bankruptcy hearing unfolded. The church filed for bankruptcy last year following the passage of Maryland’s Child Victims Act, which removed the civil statute of limitations for such cases regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Six survivors, including Teresa Lancaster, bravely stepped forward to share their traumatic experiences before church representatives like Archbishop William E. Lori, Auxiliary Bishop Adam Parker, and the director of the Archdiocese’s Office of Child & Youth Protection.

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I went through a number of Kleenex when I looked out at the courtroom and I saw I wasn’t the only one,” Lancaster said after her testimony detailing the horrific abuse she suffered at the hands of a priest who called her out of class, locked the door, and assaulted her.

Lancaster’s account mirrored many others, laying bare an institutional legacy of abuse detailed in last year’s scathing report from the Maryland Attorney General. The 456-page document revealed over 600 child victims and 156 abusers within the Archdiocese, exposing how church leaders prioritized avoiding scandal over protecting children.

Just days after the report’s release, the new Child Victims Act became law, sparking a flood of lawsuits against the church. The Archdiocese then declared bankruptcy, a move survivors like Lancaster believe deprived them of their full voice before a jury.

“These survivors would have been given the chance to tell their stories before the jury if we had gone to civil court and been able to file our lawsuits. But because the church filed for bankruptcy they deprived us of our voice,” she stated.

Survivors now have until May 31 to file claims against the Archdiocese during bankruptcy proceedings. Despite the challenging path ahead, Lancaster emphasized the survivors’ resilience and determination.

“Don’t be afraid to come forward if you’re a survivor. You will have support. We all stand for each other. We all speak the truth. I don’t believe the church has made any milestone change at all.”

After the emotional hearing, Archbishop Lori offered an apology on behalf of the Archdiocese, vowing determination to ensure no further harm while acknowledging the bravery of those who came forward to share their experiences.

As the bankruptcy case presses on, the survivors’ powerful testimony has cast a searing light on the church’s legacy of abuse and the ongoing journey for justice and healing.