Brooklyn Diocese seeks settlement of 1,100 clergy abuse lawsuits under Child Victims Act

"The Child Victims Act, enacted in 2019, created a lookback window permitting survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims previously barred by statutes of limitation. The measure led to a surge of litigation against institutions across New York state, including Catholic dioceses. In Brooklyn and Queens, which together compose the Diocese of Brooklyn, roughly 1,100 cases remain pending."

"In his letter, Brennan stated that the diocese has been working "for many years" to address "its part in the Church's shameful history of sexual abuse." He offered apologies to "victim-survivors" and said the diocese hopes that "fair and comprehensive action" to resolve these lawsuits will advance healing. He described the proposed global resolution as a means to resolve "all meritorious claims" expeditiously and to avoid the time and expense of individual trials."

"The bishop referenced the 2002 "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People," adopted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in response to nationwide revelations of clergy abuse. The charter established standards for reporting allegations, removing accused clergy from ministry and implementing prevention programs. Brennan stated that, following reforms under the charter and subsequent reviews, including cooperation with the New York state attorney general, the diocese is committed to child protection and maintains strengthened procedures."

The Diocese of Brooklyn intends to pursue a settlement of approximately 1,100 lawsuits filed under the New York Child Victims Act alleging sexual abuse of minors by clergy and others over several decades. The Child Victims Act, enacted in 2019, created a lookback window permitting survivors to file civil claims previously barred by statutes of limitation, producing a surge of litigation across New York. The diocese seeks a global resolution to resolve meritorious claims expeditiously and avoid the time and expense of individual trials. Apologies were offered to victim-survivors and the diocese expressed hope that fair, comprehensive action will advance healing. Reforms under the 2002 Charter and cooperation with the New York state attorney general are cited as steps toward strengthened child-protection procedures.

Read at National Catholic Reporter