Diocese of Buffalo asks parishes to pay $80M toward $150M settlement

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Diocese of Buffalo announced on Monday its request for parishes to contribute a total of $80 million toward the $150 million it agreed to pay in April to settle over 800 claims of sexual abuse.

Monday marked the Diocese's first meeting in a weeks-long process with parish leadership, where each parish will get a "detailed statement of their expected contribution to the settlement fund," the Diocese said.

Over the past year, the Diocese decided to close and merge churches across Western New York in response to the claims. Around 54 parishes were originally affected by the downsizing announcement and 52 then submitted counterproposals, some of which were accepted.

Contributions from parishes range from 10 to 80 percent, which is based on a "progressive percentage" of each parish's self-reported and unrestricted assets as of August 2024.

The Diocese said parishes that are scheduled to be closed or merged will face higher percentages. Parishes that are in the process of appealing closures are still expected to pay 80 percent, but if the appeal is approved, the parish will be refunded the difference of the 80 percent and the rate it would've paid if it didn't face closure.

“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.

Other contributions are said to be expected from the Diocese, affiliate Catholic organizations, proceeds from real estate sales and coverages by diocesan insurance carriers.

A federal judge ruled on Friday that most of the money from the sale of Christ the King Seminary, located in East Aurora, cannot be used toward the $150 million settlement. The proceeds totaled over $4 million.

All payments are due to the Diocese by July 15.