Attorneys for Buffalo Diocese discussed statewide settlement in May

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Attorneys for the Buffalo Diocese are in discussions about joining the seven other dioceses across New York for a statewide settlement to hundreds of priest sex abuse cases.

According to court documents and people closely related to the church’s bankruptcy filing, the pool of money from which the settlement could be reached is in the billions.

Attorneys for the diocese are required to file monthly expense reports with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Western New York.

In May, attorneys for Bond, Schoeneck & King, which represents the Buffalo Diocese, submitted multiple expenses for discussions about a possible statewide settlement.

Court records show discussions happened in mid-May about a memorandum of understanding and settlement proposal related to the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.

The Cabrini Foundation was created by the more than $3 billion sale of Fidelis Care by the state’s eight catholic bishops.

It’s believed the fund has access to between $4 and $5 billion, according to people close to the case.

However, it would require the approval of the state’s eight bishops, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the state’s attorney general to move forward.

A spokesman for the Buffalo Diocese denied that the church is considering using Cabrini funds for a settlement.

A spokesman for the attorney general said a settlement has not been presented to them, but that they would have to review such a large distribution of assets from a charitable organization.

To see all of WIVB News 4’s coverage on the Buffalo Diocese and its restructuring, click here.

Dave Greber is an award-winning anchor and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here.