UPDATE: The Diocese of Brooklyn has just announced plans to settle approximately 1,100 sexual abuse lawsuits and provide compensation to survivors. Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan confirmed this significant decision on Thursday, aiming to resolve cases under the New York Child Victims Act without further burdening victims.
This announcement comes on the heels of the Archdiocese of New York indicating similar intentions late last year. In his letter, Bishop Brennan emphasized the Diocese’s commitment to alleviating the “time, expense, and emotional strain” for victim-survivors who would otherwise face lengthy court proceedings.
Brennan stated, “The Diocese and our legal counsel have spoken with attorneys representing hundreds of victim-survivors to begin this process.”
The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, as many of the allegations date back over 35 years, with the majority occurring in the 1960s and 1970s.
Victims’ attorney Jeff Anderson, representing over 200 survivors, described the Bishop’s announcement as “positive news.” He noted the toll the Diocese’s past resistance had taken on survivors, stating, “For over six years, the Diocese has denied responsibility, causing survivors to endure not just delay, but additional harm.”
However, not all voices are in agreement. Attorney Anelga Doumanian, who represents 50 survivors, dismissed the Bishop’s letter as “nothing short of a PR stunt.” She criticized the Diocese for failing to engage in meaningful discussions about a global settlement and accused them of attempting to evade accountability just as cases are gaining momentum.
Since launching its Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program in 2017, the Diocese has already paid out more than $100 million to settle claims from over 500 accusers. Bishop Brennan clarified that the funds for these settlements are derived from monetizing existing assets, not from donations or the closure of Catholic schools.
As the Diocese moves forward with this global resolution process, Bishop Brennan stated, “We continue to pray for the victim-survivors, their families, and all others impacted by sexual abuse. May the Lord our God bring healing and peace.”
This urgent development raises questions about the broader implications for survivors seeking justice and the ongoing accountability of the Church. As the situation develops, both survivors and advocates will be closely monitoring how these settlements unfold.
Stay tuned for more updates on this critical issue as it continues to evolve.
