Diocese of Brooklyn announces plan to settle more than 1,000 alleged sexual abuse claims with mediation support in New York

The Diocese of Brooklyn announced on February 12 that it will pursue a comprehensive settlement with over 1,000 individuals who allege they were abused by clergy.

Bishop Robert Brennan said the process will be mediated by experienced professionals, including well-known California judge Daniel Buckley, who has previously worked on major Church abuse settlements in New York and Los Angeles.

Unlike some U.S. dioceses that filed for bankruptcy after facing hundreds of claims, the Brooklyn Diocese has avoided that route.

Instead, it launched a compensation program in 2017.

According to Brennan, this program has already provided over $100 million to more than 500 victims, reflecting a commitment to support those affected.

A Global Resolution in the Works

Brennan wrote that the diocese intends to pursue a “global resolution” for roughly 1,100 remaining cases.

His aim is to resolve meritorious claims quickly, sparing survivors the emotional strain and expense of individual trials.

“We will endeavor to resolve expeditiously all meritorious claims and to avoid the time, expense, and emotional strain for victim-survivors that would be caused by individual trials,” Brennan stated.

The diocese is working closely with attorneys representing abuse survivors, emphasizing transparency and collaboration throughout the process.

Mediators with Proven Track Records

Two seasoned mediators will assist the diocese.

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Judge Daniel Buckley, a former Superior Court of Los Angeles County judge, brings experience mediating settlements for both the New York and Los Angeles archdioceses.

Massachusetts-based mediator Paul Finn, known for handling abuse settlements in Boston, Milwaukee, and Rochester, will also be involved.

Their combined expertise is expected to help the diocese navigate complex claims efficiently and fairly, ensuring that victims receive appropriate compensation while managing the diocese’s financial realities.

Financial Commitments and Challenges

Brennan emphasized that the diocese will undertake cost-cutting measures and set aside significant funds to compensate survivors.

He acknowledged that this will involve “difficult financial choices,” but reiterated that fair compensation remains the priority.

“The diocese is committed to fairly compensating all meritorious claims,” he said, highlighting that the diocese continues to pray for survivors, their families, and all affected by sexual abuse.

Context: Broader Church Settlements

Brooklyn’s plan comes on the heels of the Archdiocese of New York announcing plans to raise more than $300 million for survivors as part of its own global settlement.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan outlined that the archdiocese’s plan included staff layoffs, a 10% operating budget reduction, and the sale of significant real estate assets to fund compensation.

These high-profile settlements underscore the ongoing financial and moral challenges facing Catholic institutions in addressing historical abuse cases.

What’s Next?

Over the coming months, the Brooklyn Diocese will work with mediators, legal counsel, and survivor representatives to finalize the global settlement.

Details on the total payout and specific timelines are expected to emerge once mediation progresses.

The goal is to avoid drawn-out trials, deliver fair compensation, and bring some measure of closure to survivors.

The process will also likely influence other dioceses across the U.S. navigating similar claims, demonstrating both the legal and financial strategies needed to address decades of systemic abuse.

Summary

The Diocese of Brooklyn is preparing a broad, mediated settlement with more than 1,000 alleged victims of Church abuse, following a compensation program that has already paid over $100 million to 500 survivors.

Bishop Robert Brennan confirmed that mediators Daniel Buckley and Paul Finn will assist in navigating the remaining 1,100 cases.

The diocese aims to resolve claims quickly while managing financial challenges, setting aside funds, and making budgetary adjustments.

This move follows similar actions by the Archdiocese of New York, signaling an ongoing effort by U.S. Catholic institutions to provide compensation and closure to abuse survivors.