Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York announced Dec. 8 that the archdiocese is attempting to reach a global settlement with survivors of clergy sex abuse to speedily and efficiently resolve numerous pending claims.
Cardinal Dolan began his announcement by apologizing for clergy sex abuse, asking forgiveness “for the failing of those who betrayed the trust placed in them by failing to provide for the safety of our young people.” He pointed out that the Church has implemented procedures and strategies to ensure that the abuse does not occur again and highlighted the archdiocese’s commitment to compensating and comforting the survivors.
Cardinal Dolan said the archdiocese has recently reorganized its financial operations so it can gather an estimated $300 million for settling the sex abuse claims, and that involved making several challenging decisions. He said that the archdiocese has begun discussing a global settlement — an arrangement that requires a neutral mediator to facilitate the terms of the agreement rather than a court — with the survivors and their legal representation. At a meeting in November, the two sides agreed on a mediator, which was an important step toward resolving the claims.
Cardinal Dolan said that with the help of the archdiocese’s legal and financial advisors, the archdiocese will “identify a solution that delivers the greatest possible compensation to victim-survivors while allowing the Archdiocese to continue its vital ministries for the good of our parishes, families, and communities.”
The cardinal said that the archdiocese’s insurer, Chubb, has frustrated attempts to arrive at a settlement because it refuses to honor general liability insurance policies it had issued to the diocese for decades. He added that he hopes and prays the archdiocese, Chubb, and the survivors can “all work together to achieve a global settlement” and provide compensation to help heal the wounds inflicted by the abuse.
While the archdiocese has already filed for bankruptcy, Cardinal Dolan said that one of its parishes, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Scarsdale, recently filed for bankruptcy as well. The parish is named in several claims because of alleged abuse by a former lay employee. Cardinal Dolan said that declaring bankruptcy is the parish’s only option.
The cardinal concluded by asking for prayers for the survivors, adding, “It is my heartfelt prayer that together as a family of faith we may experience healing, hope and light this Christmas season.”