BREAKING: The Archdiocese of New York has just announced a groundbreaking plan to establish a $300 million fund aimed at compensating victims of sexual abuse who have filed lawsuits against the church. This urgent move was confirmed on Monday by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who emphasized the church’s commitment to providing support to survivors.
The fund is set to be financed through significant budget cuts and the sale of assets, which includes the completion of the sale of the archdiocese’s former headquarters in Manhattan. “This fund is set aside to provide compensation to survivors of sexual abuse,” stated Dolan in a press release. The archdiocese aims to address roughly 1,300 outstanding claims against it, with officials expressing hope that this fund will cover settlements for most, if not all, victims.
To facilitate the settlement process, the archdiocese has appointed retired Judge Daniel J. Buckley as mediator. Buckley has a proven track record, having successfully mediated similar negotiations between the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and over 1,000 claimants there.
This announcement comes on the heels of a major legal victory for survivors, as a federal judge approved a $230 million settlement for the New Orleans Archdiocese on the same day. The New Orleans Archdiocese previously filed for bankruptcy in 2020 to manage a multitude of abuse claims effectively.
The establishment of this fund represents a pivotal moment for the Archdiocese of New York as it seeks to reconcile with victims and address the long-standing issues of sexual abuse within the church. The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated, as the archdiocese confronts the growing number of claims and seeks to provide justice to those who have suffered.
As developments unfold, it remains critical for the public and media to monitor how these funds will be allocated and how effectively they will assist survivors. This situation is evolving, and further updates from the archdiocese and legal representatives are anticipated in the coming days.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
