800 Million Legal Settlement: New York Archdiocese and Clergy Abuse Survivors Agree

Agreement Awaits Signatures

Archbishop Ronald Hicks confirmed the deal in an email to clergy on Saturday, after attorneys for survivors announced it. He said it becomes final only after the parties sign, with that step scheduled for the week of Nov. 6.

The agreement follows more than seven years of litigation. A framework reached in May made approval by everyone who filed a claim a condition of the deal.

Among Nation’s Largest Settlements

The New York agreement would be the second-largest settlement involving a U.S. Catholic archdiocese. The larger one came in 2024, when Los Angeles agreed to pay $880 million to 1,000 victims, on top of $740 million in earlier claims.

Other settlements cited include San Francisco’s $395 million agreement in June over about 500 lawsuits. A federal judge approved a deal in December 2025 requiring New Orleans to pay at least $230 million to abuse victims.

Survivor Lawyers Welcome Outcome

Jeff Anderson, whose firm represented people with more than 1,000 claims against the Catholic Church in New York state, called the unanimous agreement a significant moment in the pursuit of justice. He credited survivors’ courage and determination with helping advance accountability.

Trusha Goffe, an attorney at Anderson’s firm, said survivors remained resolute through years of litigation. She described the settlement as an extraordinary achievement.

Church Sees Path Forward

The New York archdiocese includes the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, along with seven counties north of the city. It serves about 2.5 million Catholics and has roughly 300 churches and more than 150 parochial schools.

Hicks told clergy to say that substantial progress had been made if church members asked about the deal. He said it could bring healing and reconciliation for survivors and let the archdiocese refocus on its religious and community work.

A 2019 New York law allowed survivors of child sexual abuse to sue abusers and institutions that shielded them until age 55. Those already older than 55 when the law took effect had until August 2021 to file, regardless of when the alleged abuse happened.