In April 2025, the Diocese of Buffalo announced a settlement in principle with the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, which represents people 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. To help soothe the pain, which will never 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 re-open the statute of limitations in which to bring claims forward. It is important to understand that the money we are being asked to contribute comes from unrestricted cash and 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 ensure 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.
Diocesan settlement announcement
June 11, 2025