Syracuse Catholic Diocese Faces $150 Million Settlement for Sex Abuse Scandal

Catholic churches and schools in Syracuse, New York, will have to contribute $50 million towards a settlement for victims of sexual abuse and cover-ups by priests, while the diocese will pay the remaining $50 million. The parishes will be responsible for $45 million, and the schools, missions, and Catholic Charities will have to pay $5 million. The funds cannot come from the Hope Appeal, an annual amount each parish raises for the diocese. Some parishes may need to sell property or consolidate to make the payments. The settlement is part of the bankruptcy filing by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, which was prompted by lawsuits filed by victims.