Brooklyn Diocese Child Victims Act settlement talks moved forward after Bishop Robert J. Brennan’s Feb. 12 letter. He told clergy and parishioners the diocese aims to settle about 1,100 CVA lawsuits. The suits allege decades of sexual abuse of minors by clergy and others tied to the diocese. Brennan said a global approach could resolve claims faster and reduce trial costs, thereby allowing survivors to avoid years of litigation. He apologized to victim-survivors and said the diocese wants a fair, comprehensive resolution because healing remains the stated goal.
CVA Lookback Window Drove a Surge of Claims
New York enacted the Child Victims Act in 2019, and it opened a lookback window for time-barred civil claims. That shift produced widespread litigation against institutions statewide, including Catholic dioceses. In Brooklyn and Queens, which make up the Diocese of Brooklyn, roughly 1,100 cases are still pending. Plaintiffs allege officials mishandled reports, reassigned accused clergy, or delayed law-enforcement referrals, but the diocese says it will address “meritorious claims.”
Reforms, Oversight, and Past Compensation Cited
Brennan pointed to the 2002 U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. He said reforms improved reporting, eliminated ministry personnel, and strengthened prevention programs. He also cited cooperation with the New York attorney general, which led to a 2024 agreement for independent oversight. That deal includes an independent compliance auditor to review reporting, investigations, and documentation and assess policy adherence. The diocese also launched an Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program in 2017, and Brennan said it paid over $100 million to more than 500 survivors.
Money, Mediators, and Mixed Reactions
Brennan said settlement funds are not from parish donations, but the diocese is cutting costs and setting aside significant reserves. It hired advisers, including Sullivan & Cromwell, Anderson Kill, and Alvarez & Marsal, and is negotiating with insurers for additional funding. For mediation, the sides selected Judge Daniel J. Buckley and mediator Paul A. Finn, both veterans of large clergy-abuse settlements. Attorney Jeff Anderson, who represents more than 200 plaintiffs, called the news positive but said prior denials and delays harmed survivors. Detractors may doubt urgency and accountability, and supporters may welcome speed and structure if compensation proves consistent.
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Brooklyn Diocese seeks settlement of 1,100 clergy abuse lawsuits under Child Victims Act
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