Diocese record · New Mexico

Archdiocese of Santa Fe

A federal bankruptcy judge approved a $121.5 million settlement in December 2022 resolving nearly 400 clergy abuse claims against the New Mexico archdiocese, which had been disproportionately affected by abusive priests sent to a local treatment center.

People's Justice Accountability DeskFacts verified Jul 12, 20263 sources

Filing window status

The Archdiocese of Santa Fe resolved the claims filed in its bankruptcy through the 2022 settlement. Statute-of-limitations rules for childhood sexual abuse vary by situation and can include discovery-based exceptions. If you were harmed and have not yet come forward, a free, confidential review can explain what options may remain — do not assume it is too late.

Deadlines are state-specific and change often. Even if you think a window has passed, it is worth confirming — exceptions can apply. A free, confidential review can tell you where you stand.

The record

Key Facts

Fact 01

$121.5 million settlement

Source: U.S. Bankruptcy Court — approved Dec. 2022

Fact 02

~400 claims resolved

Source: Santa Fe New Mexican, Dec. 2022

Fact 03

$46.5M from insurers; $75M from archdiocese

Source: Santa Fe New Mexican, 2022

Fact 04

Chapter 11 filed 2018

Source: Angelus News / NCR

What is documented

The Allegations

Nearly 400 survivors filed claims of childhood sexual abuse by clergy. The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2018. New Mexico was disproportionately affected because the Servants of the Paraclete ran a treatment center for troubled priests in Jemez Springs, some of whom were later placed in local parishes.

The full account

The Record

The Archdiocese of Santa Fe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018 in response to a flood of claims from hundreds of New Mexicans who said they were sexually abused by priests.

In December 2022 a federal bankruptcy judge approved a $121.5 million settlement resolving nearly 400 claims. Six insurers covered $46.5 million; the archdiocese’s share was $75 million, and the Congregation of the Servants of the Paraclete contributed $4 million. New Mexico was disproportionately affected by clergy abuse in part because the Servants of the Paraclete operated a treatment center for troubled priests in Jemez Springs, some of whom were later allowed to serve in local parishes.

The settlement also created an abuse-document archive maintained by the University of New Mexico — a survivor-negotiated feature not required by comparable settlements elsewhere.

Sources & attribution

Sources Cited

3 sources

Related investigation

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