URGENT UPDATE: The Archdiocese of New York has just announced a groundbreaking initiative to establish a $300 million fund aimed at compensating victims of sexual abuse who have filed lawsuits against the church. This development comes as part of a broader effort to address the serious allegations facing the archdiocese and to provide financial relief to those impacted.
In a statement released on October 23, 2023, Cardinal Timothy Dolan indicated that the fund will be financed through significant budget cuts and the sale of assets, including the completion of the sale of the archdiocese’s former headquarters in Manhattan. Cardinal Dolan emphasized the importance of this fund, stating it is intended to be “set aside to provide compensation to survivors of sexual abuse.”
To facilitate the settlement process, the archdiocese has appointed retired Judge Daniel J. Buckley as a mediator. Buckley has a proven track record, having previously assisted in negotiations between the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and over 1,000 claimants there. His experience is expected to streamline the settlement process as the archdiocese faces around 1,300 outstanding claims against it.
This announcement follows a significant ruling earlier today, where a federal judge approved a $230 million settlement for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, which had filed for bankruptcy in 2020 to manage numerous abuse claims. The New Orleans case highlights the ongoing crisis within various archdioceses across the United States, shedding light on the urgent need for substantial support for victims.
The establishment of this fund is crucial as it aims to cover settlements for most, if not all, of the claims against the New York Archdiocese. The archdiocese hopes this initiative will not only provide financial compensation but also foster a sense of justice and acknowledgment for the survivors.
As developments unfold, the financial allocation and the effectiveness of the mediation process will be closely monitored. Church officials are hopeful that this fund will pave the way for healing and reconciliation for those affected by these tragic circumstances.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Archdiocese of New York takes significant steps to confront its past and address the needs of sexual abuse victims.