Reorganization
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U.S. Bankruptcy Court Approves Final Decree for Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse to Emerge from Chapter 11
The Honorable Wendy Kinsella, Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of New York, has approved the Final Decree closing the Chapter 11 reorganization case for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. This ruling marks the official conclusion of a process that began on June 19, 2020, aimed at providing reparation and compensation to survivors of sexual abuse.As part of the court-approved plan, a total of $176.1 million will be awarded to survivors through an independent arbiter.
This Victims’ Trust Fund is comprised of:
$76.1 million provided by the Diocese’s insurance carriers.
$100 million contributed from the "Catholic family," including $45 million from parishes, $5 million from other diocesan entities, and
$50 million from the Diocese itself via investments and loans.
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REORGANIZATION TIMELINE6/19/2020 - Diocese of Syracuse files for Reorganization/Chapter 11
On June 19, 2020, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, Inc. filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of New York.
Bishop Lucia Letter to the People
Diocese of Syracuse files for Chapter 11 reorganization - The Catholic SunDiocese of Syracuse Files for Reorganization
3/8/2023 - Update from Bishop Lucia
A Letter from Bishop Lucia
7/27/2023 - Joint Settlement AnnouncementJuly 27, 2023 -- The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse and the official Committee of Unsecured Creditors announce that they have reached a settlement agreement in the Chapter 11 case filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of New York on June 19, 2020. The Diocese and the Committee believe this settlement is an important first step in forming a chapter 11 plan that will lead to the Diocese's exit from chapter 11. See more information below.
Joint Announcement
Letter to the Faithful
Frequently Asked Questions
8/27/2025 - Court Accepts Plan to Exit
On August 27th, the Honorable Wendy A. Kinsella of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of New York ruled that the Court will accept the Diocese of Syracuse’s plan to exit its Chapter 11 for reorganization and will confirm the plan. Please take a moment to read Bishop Lucia’s letter to our diocesan family.
1/26/2026 - 1/28/2026 - Diocese Transfers $100 million to Victims' Trust Fund
2/25/2026 - Final Decree Approved by Honorable Wendy Kinsella
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Approves Final Decree for Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse to Emerge from Chapter 11
Safe Environment Frequently Asked Questions
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Claimant InformationThe Diocese of Syracuse does not have a role in the distribution of funds to claimants. If you have questions about the claim or distribution process, please contact:
[email protected]
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