Archdiocese of Philadelphia

By Archbishop Nelson J. Perez
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
May 5, 2020

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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, life as we understand it has temporarily changed in drastic and necessary ways for the good of public health. I know that these difficult times have brought concerns about physical and mental health, family, loved ones, and finances to the forefront of your minds. As a people of faith, we will continue to navigate these challenging waters together.

As your Shepherd it is my duty to provide for the pastoral and temporal well-being of every member of our local Church. Some of those most in need of our care and compassion are survivors of sexual abuse at the hands of Archdiocesan clergy. I deeply regret the pain and suffering of survivors and any decisions that failed to protect them. The pain and damage are profound.

In November of 2018, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia committed to creating new modes of support focused on a path toward healing and helping survivors. To supplement the Victim Assistance Program in place since 2002, the Archdiocese launched the Independent Reconciliation and Reparations Program (IRRP). It has provided an opportunity for survivors to share their experiences, identify their abusers, and receive compensation to assist them in healing and recovery. From its outset, this program included a comprehensive financial plan to provide for its funding. As the claims submission period has now passed, we are providing you with an update on the progress of this important ministerial outreach.

As of April 22, 2020, a total of 800 individuals have come forward to the IRRP. 615 of these individuals have submitted formal claims. The Archdiocese remains fully committed to funding this program and paying claims in the amounts assigned by the independent IRRP Claims Administrators. Given the claims experience to date, the Archdiocese currently estimates the total ost of the IRRP to be approximately $130 million. As of April 22, 2020, $43.8 million of total compensation had already been paid to resolve 208 claims fully.

To fund the remaining IRRP obligations, we pursued the sale of certain Archdiocesan assets, borrowing, and risk mitigation payments from related ecclesiastical entities. This course of action is providing approximately $33.2 million from the sale or lease of non-restricted assets; $28 million in risk mitigation payments; and $25 million derived from loans.

Know that any restricted donations made directly to the Archdiocese or to the other entities providing funding were used for their donor-intended purposes. Furthermore, the funding plan for the IRRP allows for the continuation of all of the other vital missions of the Archdiocese while honoring our resolute commitment to survivors.

I recognize the need for further healing in the community as a whole and ask that we all join together in a common and Christian effort to help support survivors. They are our brothers and sisters. Pray for them, reach out in compassion and understanding, and offer a hand in fellowship.

I also take this opportunity to reassure you that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has a zero tolerance policy for clergy, lay employees, and volunteers who engage in misconduct or abuse of children and takes immediate action when an accusation is made. As your Shepherd, I promise that we remain steadfast in building a better world that respects the dignity of each person as a precious child of God.