BUFFALO (NY)
MSN [Redmond WA ]
July 9, 2025
By Sean Mickey, WGRZ-TV
Parishioners are now suing the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo to prevent the use of parish funds for a $150 million settlement with child sex abuse survivors.
Parishioners from five Catholic churches, Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady of Peace, St. Bernadette, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, and St. John XXIII, filed the lawsuit to prevent their pastors from using unrestricted cash towards the settlement. That money is due by July 15.
Plus, parishioners from 5 Catholic churches filed the lawsuit to
The Diocese Road to Renewal plan slated each of the five parishes for merger, but those plans remain on hold as the Vatican reviews appeals.
Any parish slated to be merged is required to put 80% of its unrestricted cash towards the settlement.
In total, parishes across the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo must contribute $80 million toward the $150 million settlement with sex abuse survivors.
We respect the public’s interest in these matters and appreciate the news media’s understanding of our position. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and will continue to cooperate fully with all legal processes as required.”