Catholics across western New York are reacting to news that the Diocese of Buffalo is asking parishes and affiliated organizations to help fund its $150 million settlement between the diocese and survivors of sexual abuse.
As CatholicVote previously reported, the diocese reached the settlement in April with more than 800 abuse survivors, to be paid through the diocese’s unrestricted funds, contributions of Catholic entities, and undetermined amounts from individual parishes’ unrestricted funds.
The diocese began briefing clergy, parishes, and affiliates this week, outlining its plan to satisfy the April settlement agreement, the Buffalo affiliate of ABC 7 WKBW reported. The plan is still subject to final approval in bankruptcy court.
Some parishioners say the request feels unfair.
“Why do we have to pay this? We’re not the ones at fault here,” Nandor Forgach, a member of St. Benedict Church, told 7 WKBW.
Still, he acknowledged a sense of resignation among fellow Catholics.
“I know we’re going to have to have our share of the payment to do it and a lot of us feel that we just need to pay it, go get past this and move on and move forward,” he said.
Affiliated organizations — including Catholic Cemeteries, Catholic Charities, Our Lady of Victory Charities, and the Foundation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo — have also been approached for contributions.
Tom Christy, director of Catholic Cemeteries, confirmed that the diocese contacted his board of directors. Though he did not disclose the amount, he described the request as “reasonable.”
“I was impressed by the ask being so reasonable, in that they didn’t ask an amount that would put us out of business, force layoffs, cancel projects,” Christy told 7 WKBW. “It does affect us. It will hurt this year, but it won’t hurt going forward.”
He clarified that the funds would come from operating resources, not from the cemeteries’ permanent maintenance endowments, which is “a really huge thing” for the organization.
“None of us wants to pay for it,” Christy said, “but it’s got to end.”
