Abuse victim criticizes Catholic compensation program

BUFFALO (NY)
WBFO 88.7

March 4, 2018

By Mark Scott

The man who revealed last week that he was sexually abused by a Catholic priest in the early 1980s is critical of an independent reconciliation and compensation program the Buffalo diocese is creating.

Michael Whalen says the program unveiled by Bishop Richard Malone Thursday falls short because it only covers victims of clergy abuse who filed complaints before March 1st. He says that will shut out anyone who comes forward now with new allegations.

The Diocese said those who have previously made claims of clergy abuse will be contacted and invited to participate in the program offering monetary settlements. Attorney Terrence Connors, representing the Diocese, stated that letters were mailed out Thursday to claimants already in diocesan files.

On Sunday, diocesan spokesman George Richert responded to Whalen’s criticism by saying no one is being shut out. He said the diocese wants to hear from victims of clergy abuse. Richert said new allegations will be considered on a case by case basis and that future settlements will be awarded when warranted. He said the compensation program is designed to make sure past victims are taken care of.

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