In April 2025, the Diocese of Buffalo announced a settlement in principle with the Official
Committee of Unsecured Creditors, which represents individuals victimized by past sexual
abuse. To fulfill the $150 million commitment, the Diocese, parishes, and Catholic-affiliated
entities are being asked to contribute.
This may raise questions, but as a faith community, it is our responsibility to help bring
justice and healing. One way to help soothe the pain—which will never fully go away—is to provide
compensation. By making a meaningful contribution to the settlement, parishes could be
protected from current or potential future claims should New York State reopen the
statute of limitations for bringing claims forward.
It is important to understand that the money we are being asked to contribute comes
from unrestricted cash—not current offertory—and will not affect restricted parish or
cemetery assets.
No dollar amount can ever fully compensate victim-survivors for their pain. However, this
settlement ensures they receive some compensation for the physical, emotional, and
spiritual scars they still endure. The Diocese remains committed to ensuring that the sins of
the past are not repeated. Learn more by visiting “Protecting God’s Children” on the
diocesan website.
We cannot erase the past, but there is a way we can emerge into the light—the light of
Christ.
- The $150 million settlement in principle announced by the Diocese of Buffalo on April 22, 2025, is our best hope and opportunity to conclude the five-year Chapter 11 negotiation process with the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, representing victims of sexual abuse. It provides the most equitable model for compensating victim survivors represented by the Creditors’ Committee, while allowing the Diocese to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and continue its vital ministries throughout Western New York.
- To fund the settlement, the Diocese will provide at minimum $30 million through
unrestricted cash and real estate proceeds. Collectively, parishes will contribute $80
million through unrestricted cash and $30 million through real estate proceeds. The
remaining $10 million will be contributed by other Catholic affiliates. - Nearly 50 percent of our parishes have claims against them. Claims have also been
filed against Catholic affiliates. By contributing to the settlement fund, each parish
and related entity may be protected through what is known as a channeling injunction.
Furthermore, each entity may be protected from future claims of abuse that have not yet
been filed, should another legal window open for victims of sexual abuse in New York State. - From the beginning, we have maintained that it would require the active participation of
the entire Catholic family of Western New York to bring this painful chapter to a close
and achieve a settlement with the Creditors’ Committee. Together, we have no task
more essential than achieving some level of restitution for the many who were
harmed physically, emotionally, and spiritually by the scourge of sexual abuse. - The settlement concludes the process for parishes and other Catholic entities. We remain in
active mediation with the insurance carriers. Whatever settlement is reached with the
multiple insurance carriers involved in the mediation will be added to the $150 million
settlement in principle between the Diocese of Buffalo and the Creditors’ Committee. - The mediators believed that the best way to move the lengthy mediation process
forward was to reach an agreement with the Diocese and the Creditors’ Committee
first, and then to engage in additional mediation focused on the insurance carriers
who maintained coverage for diocesan entities. - The Diocese filed for Chapter 11 in February 2020 because we concluded that this
was the most equitable approach for the large number of victim-survivors who filed
claims against the Diocese, its parishes, and affiliates—while enabling the Diocese to
continue its ministries throughout Western New York. As we have seen in other
dioceses, long-term litigation costs and settlements, or jury awards to those filing first,
would have far exceeded the resources the Diocese has or could obtain to
settle or litigate these claims and provide restitution to victim-survivors. The Chapter
11 process ensures that all victim-survivors will receive some level of compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 01. What was announced on April 22, 2025?
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors announced a settlement in principle in the Chapter 11 case filed on February 28, 2020. The Diocese of Buffalo, along with its parishes and Catholic affiliates, will provide a total payment of $150 million to survivors of sexual abuse. Both the Diocesan Finance Council and the College of Consultors have given their assent to this action. A settlement in principle means that various partners—in this instance, the Diocese and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors—have agreed on the core terms of a settlement but have not yet finalized the formal written agreement. - Who will fund the settlement of these claims?
Under the agreement to establish the fund, the Catholic Family commitment consists of contributions from the Diocese of Buffalo, which will provide a minimum of $30 million in unrestricted cash and real estate proceeds. Collectively, parishes will contribute $80 million through unrestricted cash and $30 million through real estate proceeds. The remaining $10 million will come from other diocesan-affiliated entities. - How much will the insurance carriers pay toward settlement of claims?
We remain in active mediation with the insurance carriers. Whatever settlement is reached with the multiple insurance carriers involved in the mediation will be in addition to the $150 million settlement in principle between the Diocese of Buffalo and the Creditors’ Committee. - Why weren’t insurance carriers included in this agreement?
Although the insurance carriers have been involved since the onset of mediation, the mediators believed that to expedite a very prolonged mediation process, the best approach was to reach an agreement between the Diocese and the Creditors’ Committee first, and then engage in additional mediation with the insurance carriers who previously provided coverage for diocesan entities. - Why did the Diocese file for reorganization under Chapter 11?
The Diocese believed that filing Chapter 11 in 2020 was the fairest approach for the victim-survivors and the most viable way for the Diocese to continue the work of the Church in Western New York. As witnessed in other dioceses, long-term litigation costs and settlements, or jury awards, would have far exceeded the resources available to the Diocese to settle or litigate claims and bring relief to victim-survivors. Filing under Chapter 11 ensures that all victim-survivors should receive some form of compensation. - If it was the Diocese who filed Chapter 11, why are parishes and related Catholic entities part of the settlement?
Nearly 50 percent of our parishes have claims against them, and claims have also been filed against Catholic affiliates. Although parishes were not part of the original Chapter 11 filing in February 2020, they are invited to participate in the settlement fund. By contributing, each parish and related entity may receive protection from claims that may still be filed. - My parish did not have any claims against it. Why should we contribute to the settlement fund?
As a Catholic family, it is our shared responsibility to facilitate justice and bring healing and reconciliation to survivors. As 1 Corinthians 12:26 says, “If one part of the body suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if a part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it.” Additionally, contributing to the fund may protect parishes from future claims, especially if New York State reopens the legal window to file abuse claims. Sixteen other states are already considering eliminating the civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse. - Why did contributions vary among other dioceses in New York State?
Due to complex variables—including the number of cases, available resources, and differing court systems—the settlement amounts varied. Not including insurance contributions, the Diocese of Rochester settled for $55 million, the Diocese of Syracuse for $100 million, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre for $235 million. - Will this end the actions and costs associated with this case?
No, but it is expected to conclude the legal process for parishes and affiliated Catholic entities. The Diocese will continue working with the Creditors’ Committee and the mediator to secure a financial contribution from the insurance carriers. - What is being done to help ensure this doesn’t happen again?
The Diocese of Buffalo has a comprehensive Safe Environment Program that includes a Child and Youth Protection Policy, a Diocesan Code of Conduct, mandatory criminal background checks, and child sexual abuse prevention training for clergy, religious, employees, and volunteers whose ministry involves direct contact with minors or vulnerable adults. Visit buffalodiocese.org and click on “Protecting God’s Children” for more information. - How does the Road to Renewal relate to the settlement?
The Road to Renewal is a separate initiative. With 160 parishes and 36 worship sites, the Road to Renewal seeks to address long-term realities such as fewer clergy, changing demographics, lower attendance, and declining sacramental participation. While unrelated to the Chapter 11 case, some cash and real estate from closed or merged sites may be used for the settlement. - How do I ensure that my gift is not used to pay settlements?
Legally, restricted gifts can only be used for the purpose for which they were given. To ensure your gift is restricted, speak with your attorney, estate planner, or the Development Department. - Will the Diocese need to reduce its workforce because of this settlement?
While it is not our desire to reduce our workforce, financial realities—including the Chapter 11 filing and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—have already led to workforce reductions beginning in 2018. The Diocese will continue working toward a balanced operational budget, which may require further workforce adjustments if necessary. - When will the settlement need to be paid?
The first payment of $125 million is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026, with the remaining $25 million payable within 12 months. - What happens next?
This settlement in principle represents crucial progress. It offers a path forward and out from under one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Church. The Diocese and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors will continue to work toward a resolution involving the insurance carriers.
