New York archdiocese signs $804M settlement for abuse survivors

Archbishop Ronald Hicks announced this week that the Archdiocese of New York on Nov. 5 signed the global settlement agreement providing a total of $804.25 million for survivors of clergy abuse. 

In a letter to the archdiocese announcing the signing, the archbishop expressed his “sincere and prayerful thanks to the victim-survivors who have worked with us to achieve this global settlement.” 

“We continue to promise both our prayers for those who continue to suffer from the trauma they experienced, and recommit ourselves to ensuring that these horrific misdeeds are never again committed in our Church,” he wrote. “Be assured of my and the archdiocese’s continued commitment to protecting children from abuse, our vigilance in preventing future abuse, and our compassionate accompaniment of those who are suffering. Together let us pray for God’s continued healing, light, and peace.”

The archbishop said that the archdiocese has been working to reach a settlement to resolve more than 1,300 civil claims that had been brought against it, its parishes, charitable institutions, schools, and other agencies. 

“That effort has been underway for more than a decade, as it has always been our desire to bring a fair and just resolution for victim-survivors, and to promote healing and reconciliation among those who have been hurt,” Archbishop Hicks said. “We believe that this global settlement achieves that goal.”

The first payment will comprise approximately $619.25 million and the balance will be due next year. The archdiocese has been raising money needed for the settlement, with Archbishop Hicks explaining that the sale of the former chancery and that of the ground lease has already raised “a significant percentage of that figure.” Staff cutbacks and downsizing has also contributed. Additionally, the archbishop expressed gratitude to local parishes’ voluntary contributions, noting that some with adequate reserve funds have given “a meaningful portion of their reserves to the settlement fund.” 

Archbishop Hicks also credited the efforts of the Plaintiffs’ Liaison Committee, which has represented a majority of victim-survivors, ensuring the plaintiffs are fully informed while helping to finalize the settlement.

Addressing how the settlement could impact local parishes, the archbishop said it is possible that a parish may have sold unused property or shared from reserves to contribute to the settlement. 

“Beyond that, however, life in your parish should continue uninterrupted, celebrating Mass and the sacraments, providing outreach to the poor and disadvantaged, consoling the bereaved, welcoming catechumens into the faith, and all the other activities that make up the life of a vibrant community of faith,” he wrote. 

Archbishop Hicks, who was installed as New York’s archbishop Feb. 6, also thanked his predecessor Cardinal Timothy Dolan for his efforts and for beginning the process toward a global settlement. He also thanked the team of people who contributed toward planning and meetings to achieve the settlement, as well as for the legal and financial guidance provided to the archdiocese from Proskauer Rose and FTI. 

He also thanked local Catholics for their “patience, forbearance, and faith during these difficult years, as the Church has worked to make amends for the sins of the past.”

Concluding, he reiterated gratitude for being entrusted with the role as archbishop and reiterated that he is praying for everyone, writing, “Know that I pray each day for you, and pray for the wisdom, faith, and strength to serve you to the best of my ability in the years to come.”