What is the Global Settlement Agreement with the plaintiffs who filed suit under the Child Victims Act?

In 2025, the Archdiocese of New York (ADNY) was approached by plaintiffs’ attorneys to consider pursuing a global resolution to all Child Victims Act (CVA) and Adult Survivors Act (ASA) claims brought against ADNY and its parishes, schools, and affiliated charitable entities. Over the course of more than eight (8) months, ADNY and the Plaintiffs’ Liaison Committee (PLC), which collectively represents close to 70% of the survivor claims against ADNY, negotiated a Global Settlement Agreement dated June 23, 2026. The Global Settlement Agreement was negotiated over several months under the supervision of an experienced retired judge serving as mediator.

The Global Settlement Agreement resolved the pending claims under the CVA and ASA against ADNY and participating Archdiocesan entities, including parishes, schools, service entities, supporting entities, related persons, and Catholic Charities affiliates (Participating Parties).

The Global Settlement Agreement required that all claimants with pending claims against the ADNY and/or the Participating Parties agree to participate before it became effective. A large number of Religious Orders are not participating in the Global Settlement Agreement and, therefore, will not receive the protections provided by it. Those claims will continue to be addressed separately.

When did the Global Settlement Agreement become effective?

The Global Settlement Agreement became effective on November 5, 2026.. It contained several conditions that had to be satisfied before it could become effective. The most significant condition was that all claimants with pending claims against ADNY and/or the Participating Parties agreed to participate in the settlement. Obtaining the claimants’ acceptance was particularly challenging because some of the victims were deceased and required court-approved representatives to execute the Global Settlement Agreement. Other victims were difficult to locate or contact.

What is the total amount being paid to survivors?

The total settlement amount is $804.25 million. When the Global Settlement Agreement became effective, the ADNY and certain Participating Parties contributed $619.25 million to a Trust established for survivors. An additional $185 million will be contributed within fifteen (15) months after the initial effective date, for a total contribution of $804.25 million. The Trust will distribute payments to survivors and pay certain administrative and trust-related expenses.

Will the Global Settlement Agreement resolve all outstanding sexual abuse claims against the ADNY and Participating Parties?

Yes, the Global Settlement Agreement is intended to resolve all pending claims against ADNY and the Participating Parties that are included in the settlement.

One exception involves claims brought under the New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA), which allows certain claims to be filed through July 2027. ADNY believes that the GMVA is invalid, as it is a retroactive law passed by the City of New York that duplicates and is preempted by identical laws previously passed by the New York State legislature. ADNY intends to challenge the validity of this City ordinance. In addition, the settlement sets aside up to $25 million (from the $800 million contributed) to address the costs of defending or resolving qualifying GMVA claims, if necessary.

How is ADNY raising the $804.25 million contribution due under the Global Settlement Agreement?

This money comes from a variety of sources. The sale of the former Archdiocesan Chancery and the move into smaller, more affordable office space, together with the sale of the Palace Hotel ground lease, have raised a significant portion of the funds. Additional savings have been achieved through staff reductions and other cost-saving measures. Some parishes and service organizations also have agreed to make voluntary contributions to the fund.

Archdiocesan officials previously stated that contributions to parishes and other fundraising campaigns would not be used for settlements. Why the change?

At the time those statements were made, it was anticipated that Chubb and other insurers would be honoring their legal and moral obligation to fulfill the policies they issued to the Archdiocese, its parishes, and other institutions. As noted below, should money eventually be recovered as a result of litigation, the Archdiocese will strive to treat all parishes and other participating parties fairly.

Will any parish, school or other ADNY related entity be forced to close as a result of the Global Settlement Agreement?

No. It is possible that your parish has voluntarily contributed funds or sold unused property to help ADNY reach its goal of compensating victim-survivors. Beyond that, however, parish life should continue uninterrupted.

Will insurance cover any of the Global Settlement Agreement payments?

ADNY is currently pursuing insurance coverage through ongoing litigation against its longtime insurer Chubb and through discussions with other insurers to obtain insurance coverage for the Global Settlement Agreement contributions.

While there is no certainty about the outcome, the Global Settlement Agreement structure allows the ADNY and the victim-survivors to pursue insurance recoveries from insurers that have not settled.

If ADNY recovers money through future insurance litigation, ADNY will contribute 10% of any such recovery to the Trust for the benefit of survivors. The remaining 90% will be retained by ADNY and/or the Participating Parties.

Are there any additional measures included in the Global Settlement Agreement besides financial compensation?

Yes. ADNY will continue to maintain on its website the list of Archdiocesan clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse. In addition, after all claims and related insurance litigation have been fully resolved, the ADNY will provide certain historical records relating to those allegations (with confidential and legally protected information removed) to Iona University, or another suitable and mutually agreed upon institution, for archival and research purposes.

Is ADNY planning to file for bankruptcy?

No. ADNY has worked diligently to reach this global settlement in order to avoid bankruptcy.