Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Parishioners will be responsible for more than half of the sum owed to survivors in a $150 million clergy abuse settlement, according to the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.
The Diocese began a week-long series of Vicariate meetings Monday morning where they outlined their plan to cover the costs of the settlement. The money will be drawn from parishes' cash reserves, and range from 10%-to-80% of what an individual church has in the bank.
Churches and parishes that have been ordered to close will be on the hook for higher percentages of the payout.
Payments are due in just over a month on July 15, 2025.
Churches whose futures remain undecided, as they appeal to the Vatican, will still be required to pay 80% of their funds towards the settlement while the review is conducted. The Diocese says if the Vatican reverses the closure, then they will receive the money back.
“As we have maintained throughout this protracted process, the participation of the entire Catholic family is necessary to bring to a close this painful chapter of our Diocese and achieve a level of restitution that is owed to the many who have had to carry the tremendous burden of physical, emotional and spiritual harm of sexual abuse throughout their lives,” said Bishop Michael Fisher in a written statement.
Contributions to the settlement payment from the Diocese itself will come from affiliates, real estate sales and possible insurance payouts.
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