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A judge has ruled against groups from five Catholic parishes that sought to block payments tied to the Diocese of Buffalo’s $150 million settlement with more than 800 survivors of clergy sexual abuse, ABC affiliate WKBW reported Friday.
The settlement was announced in April, with the diocese explaining that the funds would come from unrestricted diocesan accounts, parish resources, and contributions from Catholic affiliates. In June, parish leaders were informed of their expected share, which ranged from 10 to 80 percent of unrestricted cash and investments. The highest contribution percentages were assigned to parishes set to close or merge under restructuring plans.
The five parishes that filed the lawsuit—Blessed Sacrament in Tonawanda, Our Lady of Peace in Clarence, Saint Aloysius Gonzaga in Cheektowaga, St. John XXIII in West Seneca, and Saint Bernadette in Orchard Park—are all scheduled to merge. Their legal challenge focused on the 80 percent contributions they were asked to make toward the settlement.
The judge determined that the court does not have the civil jurisdiction to prevent these payments, leaving the parishes responsible for their contributions.
In a statement, the diocese said, “We are pleased that Judge Delmonte has concluded that the Bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, indeed, maintains the authority for decisions that clearly involve matters specific to the operations of parishes and broader considerations that bear on the Catholic Church of Western New York.”
Beyond the parish contributions, attorneys for survivors continue to press for non-financial reforms as part of the bankruptcy plan. Survivors are advocating for new child protection measures and public access to priest personnel files, similar to reforms included in the Diocese of Rochester’s Chapter 11 settlement. Proposals include transferring records to the University at Buffalo and instituting stricter rules preventing clergy or staff from being alone with minors.
Survivors stress that transparency is vital. “These are crimes that were committed against children from an institution that was supposed to be so trusting and so worthy and so good,” survivor Kevin Koscielniak said. “The public needs to know what this institution is really like, because this wasn’t just a little window. These were decades of cover up, decades. That story needs to be told.”
Attorneys representing survivors explained that claims will be evaluated through a points-based system approved by the court, with awards varying depending on the severity and circumstances of the abuse. “No amount of money could compensate somebody for what they went through,” said a plaintiff’s attorney. “This is the way that the courts and the bankruptcy committees have developed the evaluation process.”
Survivors will need to vote on the plan before it can move forward. While attorneys had hoped for resolution in early 2026, the timeline may extend further. Legal teams are also urging the court to allow victim impact statements, ideally delivered in the presence of Buffalo Bishop Michael Fisher.
A spokesperson for the diocese has confirmed that child protection measures are expected to be finalized and incorporated into the Chapter 11 plan. The diocese has also expressed support for allowing victim impact statements, describing them as essential to survivors’ pursuit of justice and closure.
Your Voice Matters!
The Diocese of Buffalo case shows how survivors’ voices are reshaping church accountability, even as legal battles continue. If you are a survivor and want to know what rights and options may be available to you, learn more with our Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide.
