Media Statement on Diocesan Bankruptcy and Abuse Claims

Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga, Diocese of Rochester
March 01, 2020

https://www.catholiccharitiestt.org/about/statement-on-diocesan-bankruptcy-and-abuse-claims/

On September 12, 2019, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This action was taken in order to ensure that the victims of abuse who are pursuing legal action against the Diocese under the Child Victims Act of NYS receive fair compensation for their pain and suffering, regardless of whether they present their cases earlier or later in the process.

Although we have a close working relationship with the Diocese, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester – of which Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga is a division- is an entirely separate corporation from the Diocese.

We want to reassure you that all financial contributions and grants to Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga go directly to support our agency’s work of serving thousands of low income and vulnerable people each year. Our services to our clients have not and will not be compromised by the bankruptcy.

We also want to make it clear that Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga has not been named in any past or present allegations of abuse.

However, we are legally obligated to publish the following notice to help to ensure that victims of abuse are aware of their rights.

I invite you to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.  I can be reached at Renee.Spear@dor.org or 607-272-5062 ext. 13.

-Renee Spear, Executive Director