The Diocese of Buffalo has agreed to pay $150 million to settle sex abuse claims. The settlement involves hundreds of victims and resolves all pending lawsuits related to sexual abuse. The funds will be provided by the diocese, parishes, and affiliates, and will be distributed among the survivors. The settlement is subject to a creditor vote and court approval.
12 days ago
The Diocese of Buffalo, New York, has reached a settlement in principle to pay $150 million to victims of clergy sexual abuse 1 2. The settlement aims to provide financial restitution to survivors for the abuse perpetrated by clergy, religious members, lay employees, and volunteers 1. The agreement has been accepted by the committee of abuse survivors but still requires approval from the U.S. bankruptcy court 1.
The $150 million payout will be sourced from unrestricted funds of the Diocese, contributions from individual parishes, and Catholic affiliates 2. The settlement amount does not yet include potential contributions from insurance companies, with whom the diocese is in active mediation 1 2. This settlement is considered the second-largest contribution by a bankrupt Roman Catholic institution to date 1.
The Diocese of Buffalo filed for bankruptcy five years prior to this settlement 2. The settlement addresses approximately 891 cases, triggered by the Child Victims Act (CVA) 2. The CVA extended the statute of limitations, allowing survivors to revive time-barred civil claims 2. Six of New York's eight Roman Catholic dioceses have filed for bankruptcy 2.
Bishop Michael Fisher acknowledged the settlement as an essential milestone, emphasizing that no amount of money can undo the harm suffered by the victims 1 2. Stacey Benson, an attorney representing abuse victims, called the settlement a major step toward resolution for the survivors 1.
The parties involved continue to negotiate non-monetary terms, including strengthening child protection measures and releasing diocesan documents pertaining to accused perpetrators 1. The settlement's timing of payment and exact sources for gathering funds remain to be addressed 2. Nationally, dioceses have paid at least $5.6 billion in abuse settlements and related costs since 2002 2.
The Catholic Church acknowledges its responsibility to ensure justice for abuse victims and has implemented various measures to address this issue . This commitment includes listening to victims, providing care, and implementing preventative measures .
The Church recognizes the profound harm caused by the sexual abuse of minors and the failure of some leaders to act appropriately . Pope Francis has stated that abuse in any form is unacceptable, especially the sexual abuse of children, which deeply injures victims . The Church has expressed profound shame for the actions of clergy and religious who have perpetrated child sexual abuse .
Each member of the Church is called to assume responsibility for preventing abuse, working for justice, and promoting healing . This includes bishops, religious superiors, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, catechists, and lay faithful . The Church seeks to address this evil, heal its own wounds, and confront the broader societal issues that contribute to abuse .
The Church is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all, especially minors and vulnerable adults, by acknowledging past failings, implementing comprehensive measures, and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.