Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo recently announced it has reached a “tentative” settlement in connection with almost 900 claims of childhood sexual abuse.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo recently announced it has reached a “tentative” $150 million settlement in connection with almost 900 claims of childhood sexual abuse. The settlement amount still requires court approval and creditor vote, but it has been endorsed by an official committee representing survivors.
The settlement involves parishes and schools associated with decades of abuse by clergy, lay employees, and volunteers within the eight counties of western New York. Allegations against the diocese were made public in August 2018, when internal church documents were leaked to a news outlet.
By February 2020, the Diocese of Buffalo faced almost 250 sexual abuse lawsuits. As public scrutiny grew and attendance declined, the organization filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing “extensive liabilities related to the sexual abuse claims.” The diocese continued to operate with “limited financial resources” while facing $17 million in fees and expenses.
The current settlement aims to source $150 million “directly from the diocese, individual parishes, and other Catholic entities.” As it stands, no insurance contributions are included and negotiations continue.
News of the settlement has sparked outrage from community members. A spokesperson from Save Our Buffalo Churches said: "The amount of money they are mandating to be paid to them is disgraceful and also in part retaliatory against parishes who are within their rights to follow Canon Law Recourse.”
Diocesan communications director Joe Martone emphasizes that the payments are to be structured in such a way “that it would not bankrupt those parishes," although each will entail "a significant contribution."
Multiple Catholic dioceses across New York State are enmeshed in similar bankruptcy proceedings, including the Diocese of Rochester, the Diocese of Syracuse, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
In a statement, Bishop Michael W. Fisher said: "While indeed a steep sum, no amount of money can undo the tremendous harm and suffering the victim-survivors have endured, or eliminate the lingering mental, emotional and spiritual pain they have been forced to carry throughout their lives."
The settlement marks a momentous call for action within the larger Catholic Church. Owed funds are due by July 15.
Authors: Alexis Kabat and Andy Goldwasser
