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

April 28 Confirmation Hearing Update

In advance of the confirmation hearing scheduled for 4/28/25, the Committee achieved several settlements with the insurance companies that were opposing the plan. At this time, the total amount of the insurance settlements is approximately $61 million. Along with the Diocese’s and parishes’ contributions, the total amount the Trust will be funded by at this time is approximately $161 million.

At the confirmation hearing, the Diocese and Committee presented their affirmative case and asked the Court to reserve ruling until 5/14 so that it could continue to work toward a resolution with non-settling insurance company Travelers and to resolve the United States Trustee’s objection to confirmation.

The Committee is hopeful that those issues can be resolved by 5/14 so that the plan can be confirmed as soon as possible. An update will be posted to this website after the 5/14 hearing.

Survivor Impact Statements Recently Made to Court

On April 22, 2025, fifteen Survivors presented their impact statements at a hearing before the Bankruptcy Court. In addition, the written statements submitted by nine Survivors were read to the Court. Bishop Douglas J. Lucia and other Diocese representatives were also present to hear the impact statements. The Committee is grateful to the brave Survivors who shared the truth about their abuse and its effect on their lives. The Committee is also hopeful that the impact statements will increase understanding regarding the tremendous pain and challenges Survivors endured and continue to endure as a result of their difficult experiences.

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.