BUFFALO (NY)
Spectrum News [New York NY]
July 9, 2025
Parishioners are now trying to block the Diocese of Buffalo from using their churches’ funds toward the $150 million settlement to sex abuse survivors.
Parishioners from five churches filed a lawsuit in state Supreme Court seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent church leaders from paying the diocese.
Those parishioners attend 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.
Last month, the diocese ordered these churches to give 80% of their unrestricted cash to help pay the settlement. They were previously told they had until July 15 to do so.
In court documents, attorneys claim these churches would have to suspend several community programs like day care services and food pantries if they lost that money. Some churches even claim they’d have to cease operations completely.
Attorneys argue the diocese cannot collect contributions from parishes just yet because the Vatican is still reviewing appeals.
The diocese said in a statement it does not comment on pending litigation.
The case is due back in court on Friday.