Financial support, health benefits to end for priests with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse

By Anthony Reyes
WKBW
April 28, 2020

https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/financial-support-health-benefits-to-end-for-priests-with-substantiated-allegations-of-sexual-abuse

The Diocese of Buffalo announced Tuesday it will cease all financial support and health benefits for priests with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse beginning May 1 as part of the bankruptcy process.

A spokesperson released the following statement:

"Following discussions and subsequent agreement with the Creditors Committee, which has been appointed as part of the Diocese of Buffalo's Chapter 11 process, the Diocese will cease all financial support and health benefits for priests with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse, effective May 1, 2020. None of the 23 individuals affected currently has faculties to function as a priest within the Diocese. The nature and details of the allegations that resulted in their faculties being suspended relate, in most cases, to allegations raised many years ago. The Diocese is directing these individuals to information and available resources elsewhere for their health insurance and other sustenance needs going forward."

The diocese, facing nearly 250 lawsuits involving clergy sexual abuse, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2020.