NEW YORK
National Catholic Reporter
Peter Feuerherd | May. 9, 2017
NEW YORK
Before embarking on a May 9 lobbying day in Albany in support of proposed New York state legislation that would extend the statute of limitations on child abuse claims, the watchdog group Catholic Whistleblowers offered both support and criticism of New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
The group praised the New York Archdiocese’s Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program to compensate victims with claims against clergy sex abusers. The program offers compensation even to those who come forth beyond New York’s window for presenting claims, five years after a person reaches the age of 18.
The bishops of New York state have fought efforts to extend the statute of limitations in the past, stating that it would stretch the ability of witnesses to remember events that happened decades ago; would unfairly target private institutions like the church while leaving other entities untouched, such as public schools; and threaten dioceses with bankruptcy.
The effort to extend the statute of limitations has become an annual Albany legislative struggle, successfully fought off by the state’s Catholic bishops. A similar struggle is expected in this year’s session before the legislature adjourns this summer.
The Catholic Whistleblowers group comprises some 30 priests, religious and laypeople, including supporters of those sexually abused as well as victims who have worked for the church. In a statement, the group praised Dolan for instituting the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program.
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