A federal bankruptcy judge's ruling on Wednesday allows several child sexual abuse suits against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany to go to trial in state court, which attorneys hope will pave the way for settlements. 

Judge Robert Littlefield Jr. of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of New York ruled eight cases against the Albany Diocese can advance to trial, reopening Child Victims Act cases that were sidelined by the diocese's filing for bankruptcy two years ago in March. 

“This is a breakthrough moment for survivors to advance their claims, reveal the horrors inflicted upon them by the offenders and by the Albany bishop to hold them accountable without further delay," said Jeff Anderson, an attorney representing several people with claims against the diocese.

He added there are about 390 cases pending.

The diocese responded Wednesday, saying it backs mediation to come up with a plan to provide compensation to all survivors.

"We pray that today’s ruling is in the best interest of the survivors as they move forward in their healing process," the diocese statement reads. "Our goal is a fair and equitable resolution for everyone who has been harmed and has filed a claim, rather than a select few. While we disagree that this process will effectively aid in the mediation process to provide the greatest relief to the greatest number of claimants, we respect the court’s decision and will move forward accordingly."

A similar ruling in November by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Western District of New York permitted 17 cases to move forward in the Diocese of Buffalo, which filed for bankruptcy in 2020.

Hundreds of cases were filed against the Albany Diocese alleging sexual abuse under the Child Victims Act, which extended the statute of limitations, allowing people to file civil suits against their alleged abusers.

“Over the time since the Child Victims Act went into effect, we have seen survivors that we represent age, and even die. It is with great gratitude that now there is hope that their voices will finally be heard,” attorney Cynthia LaFave said Wednesday.

In filing for Chapter 11 two years ago, Bishop Edward Scharfenberger said the diocese had depleted its insurance funds to pay settlements in Child Victims Act cases, and claimed that Chapter 11 filing was "the best way" to ensure compensation for victims in those cases.