Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Dozens of victims of clergy sexual abuse are sharing the details of what happened to them inside federal bankruptcy court this week in Downtown Buffalo.
Attorney Steve Boyd told WBEN this has become a trend in bankruptcy cases involving Catholic Churches.
"A motion was made by the creditors committee that represents the survivors to ask for these days, and the judge was extremely willing to hear from the people who are directly involved in this case," Boyd said. "We went well past 5 p.m. as the judge and Bishop [Michael] Fisher listened to the words of about 20 survivors who spoke about their experience and what happened to them."
The testimony is happening as the bankruptcy mediation process continues. An agreement with the church has been reached, and agreements with the insurance companies are being worked out. Boyd said his goal is to have the entire process done this year.
While Bishop Fisher was in the courtroom, former Bishop Richard Malone and former Auxiliary Bishop Edward Grosz were not. Malone and Grosz were both accused of misusing funds to cover up the sexual abuse of minors within the Diocese.
"Oh, we'd love to have them there," Boyd said. "We'd love to have them listen to what our clients had to say about the way they mishandled this crisis. But I do not think that either of them would have the courage to stand and listen to these people."
The testimony will continue Wednesday, and additional days will be added by the judge so that every victim who wishes to speak will have the opportunity.