Diocese of Syracuse Accused Priests

Unfortunately, dioceses throughout the state of New York, the US, and the world have been harbors for child sexual abuse at the hands of clergy members. The dioceses often cover up the abuse, attempting to protect their reputations over protecting the children within the church. However, in recent years, many victims have come forward since the investigation completed by the Boston Globe, exposing the systemic abuse occurring in dioceses all around the globe.

The Diocese of Syracuse provides a list of clergy with credible child sexual abuse allegations against them since 1950. To be included on the list, the allegation must meet at least one of the following requirements to be credible:

1. Natural, reasonable, plausible, and probable
2. Corroborated with evidence or a source
3. Acknowledged or admitted by the accused clergy member
4. When the Diocese initially released the list in 2019, there were 57 priests listed, including 38 deceased priests and 19 priests who were still alive but removed from the ministry. As recently as April 2021, 371 survivors of sexual abuse filed claims in the Diocese of Syracuse bankruptcy case. Before the most recent filings, there were more than 100 claims of child sex abuse pending against the Diocese of Syracuse.

All abuse claims against the Diocese were shifted to bankruptcy court from state court after the religious institution filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2020. In bankruptcy court, the victims are now considered creditors who must prove that the Diocese of Syracuse owes them compensation. The shift to bankruptcy court changed the deadline for filing, differing from the one included in the Child Victims Act. The new deadline set by the bankruptcy judge overseeing the case was April 15, 2021.

In response to the sex abuse allegations filed against it, the Diocese of Syracuse established the Office of Safe Environment and the Office of Victim Assistance, both responsible for integrating the approved standards of the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People with the Diocese’s Catholic values and teachings. The Charter for Protection of Children and Young People established by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002 is a set of procedures for how a diocese addresses allegations of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy.

The Office of Safe Environment is responsible for educating members of the clergy and volunteers who interact with minors about child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. It requires all clergy, employees, and volunteers to complete Safe Environment Training on preventing sexual abuse of minors, recognizing predatory behaviors, reviewing proper boundaries, and establishing how to create safe environments for children within the Diocese. Each individual required to complete the Safe Environment Training must also complete a renewal training every five years.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse explained his decision to file bankruptcy as a way to ensure all victims received something for their pain without destroying the Diocese with the vast number of claims.

If you or someone you know suffered sexual abuse by a member of the clergy of the Diocese of Syracuse, you need to contact an attorney experienced with handling not only sex abuse cases but also cases against the Diocese. A sex abuse attorney can walk you through the filing process, help you gather necessary evidence from the Diocese and your records, and keep you up to date on the progress and requirements of your case.

It’s always beneficial to have someone there who can answer your questions, alleviate your concerns, and keep you informed on the legal process. Your attorney can act as a trusted confidante and compassionate advocate for you to remind you that you have people on your side and in your corner.

The sex abuse lawyers at Herman Law are ready and willing to help you fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. You don’t have to go through this challenging time alone. Contact Herman Law today for a free consultation to learn about your legal rights.