The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo has taken the drastic step of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a move that could see churches and schools across Western New York sold off to compensate survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Mounting Legal Pressure Forces Drastic Action
Church officials confirmed the bankruptcy filing on Friday, acknowledging they can no longer manage the overwhelming number of legal claims brought under New York's Child Victims Act. This landmark legislation created a temporary window allowing survivors of historical abuse to sue institutions regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.
The diocese becomes the second largest Roman Catholic diocese in the United States to seek bankruptcy protection, joining numerous other Catholic institutions across New York state that have taken similar measures.
What Bankruptcy Means for Parish Communities
The Chapter 11 filing will:
- Immediately halt all pending lawsuits against the diocese
- Create a single claims process for all abuse survivors
- Potentially force the sale of diocese-owned properties
- Allow the diocese to continue operating while restructuring
Bishop Michael Fisher stated that the decision was made after "much prayer and discernment," emphasising that the filing represents "the most equitable way to compensate all victims of clergy sexual abuse."
A Pattern Emerging Across New York
Buffalo's bankruptcy follows similar actions by Catholic dioceses in Rochester, Syracuse, and Rockville Centre, all responding to the flood of litigation enabled by the Child Victims Act. The legislation has prompted over 8,000 lawsuits statewide against various institutions, with Catholic organisations facing the majority of claims.
Survivors' advocates have expressed mixed reactions to the bankruptcy move, acknowledging it may provide compensation to more victims while potentially reducing individual settlement amounts.
The Road Ahead for Western New York Catholics
While the bankruptcy process unfolds, diocese officials have assured parishioners that:
- Regular worship services will continue uninterrupted
- Parish schools will remain open and operational
- Day-to-day ministry work will proceed as normal
However, the long-term financial impact on the diocese's 160 parishes and 25 schools remains uncertain, with property sales likely necessary to fund what could amount to tens of millions in settlement payments.
