Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The Buffalo Catholic Diocese says it will suspend financial support and health coverage to 23 priests who have substantiated allegations of sexual abuse against them.
The diocese says in this statement, "Following discussions and subsequent agreement with the Creditors Committee, which has been appointed as part of the Diocese of Buffalo's Chapter 11 process, the Diocese will cease all financial support and health benefits for priests with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse, effective May 1, 2020. None of the 23 individuals affected currently has faculties to function as a priest within the Diocese. The nature and details of the allegations that resulted in their faculties being suspended relate, in most cases, to allegations raised many years ago. The Diocese is directing these individuals to information and available resources elsewhere for their health insurance and other sustenance needs going forward."
In February, the diocese filed for bankruptcy in the wake of the church sex abuse scandal.