The Wisconsin Department of Justice has decided not to appeal a recent ruling by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The court had denied DOJ access to sealed documents from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's bankruptcy case, filed in 2011 and closed in 2016. Despite this setback, the Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative remains active, with DOJ encouraging reports on clergy and faith leader abuse.
Attorney General Josh Kaul expressed his disappointment over the decision: “I am deeply disappointed that DOJ has not been authorized to access sealed documents from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s bankruptcy case that relate to allegations of abuse." He noted that accessing these records could have advanced the initiative's objectives, including verifying lists of credibly accused faith leaders.
Kaul stated that an appeal is unlikely due to legal deference given to such decisions. “If it were likely that an appeal would lead to a different outcome, DOJ would appeal the bankruptcy court’s decision. However, having carefully reviewed the decision, and given the deference that the law would provide to that decision on appeal, there is not a meaningful probability that an appeal would lead to our obtaining the access to sealed documents that we sought in this matter."
He also urged cooperation from the Archdiocese: “While certain documents have been sealed by the bankruptcy court, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee can provide DOJ with other documents relating to abuse... Such documents can help establish whether an alleged abuser has been credibly accused." Kaul emphasized this could offer accountability and closure for survivors.
Individuals with information about clergy or faith leader abuse in Wisconsin are encouraged to report it by calling 1-877-222-2620 or visiting https://supportsurvivors.widoj.gov/.