Ogdensburg Diocese proposes $83 million abuse settlement fund

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg has filed a Chapter 11 reorganization plan that would establish an $83 million settlement fund for survivors of clergy sexual abuse and could allow the diocese to leave bankruptcy. The plan was filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court three years after the diocese entered bankruptcy amid abuse lawsuits.

The proposed fund includes $45 million in cash from the diocese, its parishes, schools and other entities, along with $38 million from insurance settlements. The plan would address at least 125 abuse claims. A committee representing survivors has approved the plan, which still requires court approval.

Under the proposal, the diocese’s 85 parishes and its schools would contribute $28.6 million. The diocese and other entities would contribute $6.47 million, and the diocese would borrow another $10 million for the trust. Each parish would also file for Chapter 11 before a confirmation hearing, with the plan stating that other creditors and vendors would continue to be paid in the ordinary course of business.