BUFFALO (NY)
Spectrum News 1 [Buffalo, NY]
July 11, 2025
A group of parishioners suing the Diocese of Buffalo do not have to add local church funds into a massive sex abuse survivors settlement — at least not yet.
The original deadline to do so, as outlined in the diocese’s “Road to Renewal” plan, was July 15. After Friday’s hearing in Erie County State Supreme Court, that deadline is now on hold until at least the next court date, Aug. 6.
The parishioners are asking for an injunction to avoid making that payment. Those include members of Blessed Sacrament in the town of Tonawanda, Our Lady of Peace in Clarence, Saint Bernadette’s in Orchard Park, St. Aloysius Gonzaga in Cheektowaga and St. John XXIII in West Seneca.
The diocese ordered each of those churches to give up to 80% of their unrestricted cash toward the $150 million settlement.
Attorneys argue the diocese cannot collect contributions while the Vatican is reviewing appeals.
If they have to pay, some parishes would be forced to shutter vital community resources like day care services and food pantries.
The diocese said in a statement earlier this week it does not comment on pending litigation.