BREAKING: The Diocese of Brooklyn has just announced plans to settle approximately 1,100 sexual abuse lawsuits, marking a significant step toward compensating survivors. Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan revealed this urgent decision on Thursday as part of an effort to provide closure for victims while avoiding the emotional toll of lengthy court proceedings.
In a letter to the community, Brennan emphasized the importance of moving forward, stating that this settlement aligns with the Diocese’s commitment to support survivors of abuse. He noted that these cases were filed under the New York Child Victims Act and that the Diocese has already compensated more than $100 million to over 500 accusers since the inception of its Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program in 2017.
This latest development comes as the Archdiocese of New York also indicated similar intentions late last year. Brennan expressed hope that the settlement process would spare victims from the “time, expense, and emotional strain” associated with revisiting individual cases in court.
Victims’ representatives reacted to the announcement with mixed feelings. Attorney Jeff Anderson, who represents over 200 survivors in Brooklyn Diocese cases, stated that survivors view the Bishop’s update as “positive news.” He acknowledged the Diocese’s previous stance of denying responsibility, stating,
“For over six years, the Diocese has denied responsibility, contested virtually every case, causing survivors to endure, not just delay, but additional harm.”
However, some legal representatives remain skeptical. Attorney Anelga Doumanian, who represents 50 survivors, criticized the Bishop’s letter as a “PR stunt”, claiming that survivors were left uninformed and without discussions regarding a global settlement. “This is a pseudo-offer at best, and survivors won’t be fooled,” Doumanian asserted.
The majority of the remaining allegations are reported to be over three decades old, with more than 90% stemming from incidents in the 1960s and 1970s. As the Diocese continues its global resolution process, it stresses that funding for these settlements will not come from donations or the closure of Catholic schools, but rather from monetizing existing assets.
As this situation develops, the Diocese urges prayers for all affected by sexual abuse, with Bishop Brennan stating,
“May the Lord our God bring healing and peace.”
The urgency of this announcement cannot be overstated, as the Diocese seeks to resolve these longstanding issues while survivors and their advocates demand accountability. The next steps in this process will be critical in determining how the Diocese moves forward and how it addresses the needs of those who have suffered.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
