Background on the Abuse Claims and the Child Victims Act
The surge in cases stems largely from New York's Child Victims Act (CVA), enacted in 2019. The law created a temporary "lookback window" that allowed survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims even if the statute of limitations had previously expired. This led to thousands of lawsuits against various institutions, including Catholic dioceses across the state. In the Diocese of Brooklyn—which covers Brooklyn and Queens—hundreds of claims were filed initially, with about 1,100 cases still pending as of early 2026.
Survivors allege that diocesan officials failed to adequately respond to reports of abuse, reassigned accused clergy, or did not report allegations properly. These claims are part of a broader, decades-long reckoning within the Catholic Church regarding the handling of sexual abuse by priests, deacons, and lay staff.The Diocese's Ongoing Efforts
The Diocese of Brooklyn has emphasized its commitment to addressing these issues without resorting to bankruptcy, unlike several other New York dioceses. In 2017, under then-Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, the diocese launched the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP). This voluntary program allowed survivors to seek financial compensation outside of court proceedings.
According to Bishop Robert Brennan's February 12, 2026 letter to the faithful, the IRCP has already compensated more than 500 victim-survivors with payments totaling over $100 million. Bishop Brennan reiterated his "deepest apologies" to survivors and described the abuse as part of the Church's "shameful history."
The Latest Announcement: Mediation and Global Resolution
On February 12, 2026, Bishop Brennan announced plans to pursue a global resolution of the remaining ~1,100 cases through independent mediation. The diocese will set aside hundreds of millions of dollars to fund potential settlements. Retired California Judge Thomas Anderle (also referred to as Judge Buckley in some reports) will oversee the mediation process. Judge Anderle has experience mediating large-scale abuse settlements, including one for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and recently for the Archdiocese of New York.
To marshal these funds, the diocese plans cost-cutting measures, use of insurance proceeds, and the sale of diocesan-owned real estate. Importantly, Bishop Brennan and diocesan representatives have stated that no parish donations or offerings will be used for these settlements.
The goal, per the bishop's letter, is to "expeditiously resolve" claims, avoid the emotional and financial toll of prolonged individual trials, and promote healing for survivors.
Reactions and Next Steps
The announcement has elicited mixed responses. Some victim advocates and attorneys have welcomed the move toward resolution and compensation. Others, including prominent clergy abuse litigators, have expressed skepticism—describing it in some cases as a potential "PR stunt" or questioning whether it will deliver fair outcomes without court oversight. One attorney representing survivors in Brooklyn cases voiced doubts about the diocese's commitment.
The mediation process is expected to begin soon, though no total settlement amount has been publicly finalized. The diocese hopes this approach will bring long-awaited closure while continuing its work to prevent future abuse and support survivors.
This step reflects the ongoing challenges many Catholic dioceses face in reconciling with survivors amid widespread claims of institutional failures.
Sources:
- Diocese of Brooklyn official announcement and Bishop Brennan's letter: https://dioceseofbrooklyn.org/important-update-on-settlement-efforts-for-child-victims-act-cases
- The New York Times (February 12, 2026): https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/nyregion/brooklyn-diocese-church-sex-abuse-mediation.html
- CBS News New York (February 2026 coverage): https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/brooklyn-diocese-sex-abuse-settlement-1100-cases
- National Catholic Reporter (February 12, 2026): https://www.ncronline.org/news/brooklyn-diocese-seeks-settlement-1100-clergy-abuse-lawsuits-under-child-victims-act
- EWTN News (February 13, 2026): https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/brooklyn-diocese-to-pursue-global-resolution-of-more-than-1-000-abuse-cases
- amNewYork (February 2026): https://www.amny.com/law/brooklyn-diocese-child-sex-abuse-settlement-news-gets-mixed-reactions-from-victim-attorneys
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