In what is a victory for all Survivors who find themselves part of a Diocese bankruptcy, a Survivor abused by a Diocese of Winona NY priest has been awarded $7.6 million by a jury.  This is an important development because the defendant in the lawsuit was US Fire Insurance, an insurer who chose not to settle with the Official Committee of Survivors in the Winona bankruptcy.  Now, that insurer is liable for this settlement and the costs associated with its defense.  Further information regarding the Winona decision can be found at Survivor Abused by Diocese of Winona Priest Sees Victory in the Courtroom, Awarded $7.6 Million – Jeff Anderson and Associates

The Court continued the confirmation hearing to July 2, 2025 to allow the parties additional time to document the insurance settlement agreements that have been achieved and related plan amendments. It is anticipated that the Court will decide whether to approve the plan at that hearing or soon thereafter. The Committee continues to work as hard as it can to achieve confirmation of the plan in accordance with the bankruptcy code to bring a resolution to survivors as soon as possible.

The Committee appointed in the Diocese of Syracuse bankruptcy case to advocate on behalf of survivors has noted the election of a new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV.  This has raised concerns among some regarding his commitment to the prevention and investigation of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.  This article summarizes those concerns.  The Committee wishes to acknowledge those concerns and share that it is fully committed to its work in this case to both achieve a financial settlement for survivors and the adoption of policies that will end sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.

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