Message from the Survivors’ Committee

Dear Survivors, those supporting Survivors, and others interested in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse bankruptcy case:

On behalf of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Survivors’ Committee”), welcome to the Syracuse Survivors’ webpage. We, the Survivors Committee, were appointed by the US Trustee’s Office to advocate on behalf of all Survivors of abuse within the Diocese of Syracuse. The Survivors Committee is made up of seven Survivors of abuse related to this Diocese, whom represent a diversity of ages and genders. As Survivors ourselves, we understand the pain and trauma that other Survivors may be experiencing during this bankruptcy case. We understand that each Survivors’ journey is unique, and we empathize with each one of you as we navigate and process the trauma we have all experienced. Whether you are just beginning that journey or have been on it for many years, we are with you. We have designed this website to help with the questions you may have about the bankruptcy case.

This website provides the following information regarding the bankruptcy case of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse:

Overview of the bankruptcy process
Diocesan Bankruptcy frequently asked questions (FAQ)
News feed detailing case events and the Survivors’ Committee’s activities
Mental health resources for Survivors

The website will be regularly updated over the course of the case. The Survivors’ Committee hopes Survivors find this information useful, and encourage any Survivors with questions to contact their personal attorneys or the Survivors’ Committee’s bankruptcy counsel, Stinson LLP. To contact Stinson LLP, you may email syracusesurvivorteam@stinson.com

Survivor Voting Results Announced

On March 21, 2025, the Diocese filed a report summarizing the voting results for the pending bankruptcy plan (the “Fifth Amended Plan”). In total, 324 survivors voted. Each survivor voted in favor of the Fifth Amended Plan.

The Court will consider whether to confirm (approve) the Fifth Amended Plan at a hearing beginning on April 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET over anticipated objections from the insurance companies who have not yet settled their liability to the Diocese for survivor claims. The Committee, and its professionals, are working hard to ensure the plan is confirmed and will continue to post status updates on this website as developments occur.

Survivor Impact Statements Authorized by Bankruptcy Court

At the request of the Committee, survivors have been authorized to present impact statements in person during a Bankruptcy Court session that will be conducted on April 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. The Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse has been ordered to attend and the hearing will be open to the public.

All survivors are invited to attend. Survivors interested in presenting an impact statement are encouraged to contact counsel for the Committee, Stinson LLP, by emailing syracusesurvivorteam@stinson.com no later than April 9, 2025. Because of time constraints there are a limited number of speaking slots.

Please note that presenting survivors will be speaking about their difficult history which could be traumatic to both them, and those listening. Please be mindful of the support that you may need both during and within the hours and days following the presentations. The Stinson Team will work with Survivors who will be speaking to assist in preparing them. he Committee looks forward to making this event significant and effective.

For those who will be attending the survivor impact statement Bankruptcy Court session in person, the Bankruptcy Court is located at James M. Hanley U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building, 100 South Clinton Street, Syracuse, NY 13261.

Disclosure Statement Approved, Voting Deadline Set for February 28, 2025 at 5 p.m. ET, and Confirmation Hearing Starts on April 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET

On December 23, 2024, the Court approved the disclosure statement in support of the fifth amended plan (“Disclosure Statement”) filed by the Committee and the Debtor. The Disclosure Statement describes how the fifth amended plan (“Fifth Amended Plan”) addresses survivors’ claims. It may be found attached as Exhibit 1 to the Court’s Order approving the Disclosure Statement here. Exhibit 6 attached to that Court Order is also an Executive Summary for Survivors that distills much of the information contained in the Fifth Amended Plan. Now that the Disclosure Statement has been approved, survivors will have the opportunity to vote on the Fifth Amended Plan.

Under the Disclosure Statement approval order, the Debtor is required to serve voting solicitation packages to survivors or their counsel (if represented) by December 30, 2024. The voting solicitation packages will include survivor ballots, instructions for how to cast a ballot, and the Fifth Amended Plan documents. The deadline for survivors to cast their ballot on the Fifth Amended Plan is February 28, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

If you have questions regarding the ballot, did not receive a return envelope with your ballot, did not receive an electronic copy of the disclosure statement and the plan, or need physical copies of the ballot or other enclosed materials, please contact the Diocese’s solicitation agent, Stretto, by email at teamsyracusediocese@stretto.com or by calling 855.347.3773 and requesting to speak to a member of the solicitation team.

The Court will consider whether to confirm (approve) the Fifth Amended Plan at a hearing beginning on April 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET.