BUFFALO (NY)
WIVB [Buffalo NY]
June 15, 2026
By Gabriella Baiano
For six years, a committee of abuse survivors has been kept quiet about the Diocese of Buffalo’s bankruptcy case — until now.
On Monday, volunteer members of the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee spoke publicly about the case for the first time.
“These are the people who have done this amazing work, having served as the longest diocesan bankruptcy committee in U.S. history,” Steve Boyd, an attorney representing members of the committee, said.
The members were selected by the U.S. Trustee to represent more than 850 sexual abuse survivors in the Diocese of Buffalo. Court-ordered mediation previously prevented them from speaking about the case.
Members said their time on the committee involved hours away from work and family, including 76 court hearings and 34 mediation meetings that lasted around eight hours a day.
“We’ve listened to over 100 victim impact statements both in and out of court, often at the detriment to our own mental health,” committee member Anne Marie Dempsey said.
“We worked tirelessly and together to get this settlement for all survivors who have waited decades for change to the way sex abuse is handled within the diocese and compensation for the harm that was caused to them,” Dempsey said.
Victims will vote on whether to accept a $326 million settlement. Boyd explained the next steps moving forward, adding that $150 million of the settlement will come from Catholic entities and the rest of the funds from insurance companies.
“The next step in the process is the filing of this amendment plan, then a disclosure statement hearing, that’s going to happen sometime in August,” Boyd said. “We’re still working to finalize child protection issues,” he added.
Attorneys say those payments may be distributed by the end of the year.
Ruth MacAlister, a committee member, said accountability comes in many different forms.
“Accountability comes in the form of a monetary reward, yes, but also in child protection reforms, transparency requirements, and other actions that we demand to ensure the safety of future generations,” MacAlister said.
In April 2025, the Diocese of Buffalo agreed to pay $150 million to settle more than 800 claims of sexual abuse. And in March 2026, the diocese revised how much revenue it asked parishes to contribute for the settlement.
Several delays have impacted the process, according to Boyd, including the COVID pandemic and a two-year hold-up by the Supreme Court.
“This plan is the best way forward and out of this mess for all the parties,” Dempsey said.
“These folks are ready for the end,” Boyd added. “I think the rest of the survivors are ready for the end. Frankly I think the Catholic entities are ready for it too so they can move on with their mission.”
In a statement provided to WIVB News 4, the Diocese said, “We are as eager as the committee to conclude this protractive bankruptcy process. “
Gabriella Baiano has been a digital producer with WIVB since November 2025. View more of her work here.