A Letter to All Survivors of Sexual Abuse from Bishop John O. Barres

Common Questions Regarding Parishes and Bankruptcy

Statement of the Diocese of Rockville Centre Upon the Final Completion and Settlement of its Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Case
December 4, 2024

We are grateful to God that on December 4th, the court confirmed the Plan that resolves and ends the Bankruptcy Case for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, all our parishes, and related ministries. For the sake of abuse survivors and the Church’s mission on Long Island, we pray that the Plan brings some measure of healing to survivors and allows the Church to carry on the saving mission of Jesus Christ. Victim survivors of child abuse deserve our respect, our prayers, and our care. The Church is grateful for their courage and perseverance.

The total settlement amount was just over $323 million, which included insurance contributions, Diocesan assets and sale proceeds from Diocesan property, and contributions from parishes and other related entities. The Diocese, Parishes and other related entities contributed a total of $234.8 million. Insurance companies contributed a total of just over $85 million. Counsel for the Creditor’s Committee contributed $3 million. All participated in order to offer equitable compensation to survivors and move this difficult ordeal to its conclusion.

Pledge of the Diocese of Rockville Centre Regarding Confidentiality Agreements

The Diocese of Rockville Centre hereby confirms: (i) that it has not imposed any confidentiality requirements on survivors of sexual abuse since at least 2002; (ii) that it releases survivors of clergy sexual abuse from any previous confidentiality requirements; and (iii) that it promises not to require any confidentiality provisions as part of any resolution of an allegation of clergy sexual abuse, in the future.