(Brooklyn, NY) – Today, Bishop Robert Brennan announced that the Diocese of Brooklyn intends to pursue a global settlement with 1,100 survivors who have filed cases under the New York Child Victims Act.
Statement of Jeff Anderson
We, and the over 200 survivors we represent in cases against the Diocese of Brooklyn for its negligence in allowing large-scale sexual abuse against children to occur, believe this update from the Bishop is positive news. For over six years, the Diocese has denied responsibility, contested virtually every case, causing survivors to endure not just delay but additional harm, compounding the trauma caused decades before by the offenders the Diocese has protected. This announcement offers a real opportunity for resolution – the survivors and I pledge to work hard with the experienced mediators.
The apologies offered by Bishop Brennan at this time are hollow, shallow, and lacking any measure of accountability or responsibility. Until there is acceptance of real accountability and real child protection measures are put into place, survivors cannot and should not accept apologies until there is action.
That being said, this announcement offers a real opportunity for resolution and progress. We look forward to the opportunity to work toward a resolution and will continue litigation as necessary. To the survivors who have had the courage to bring this action under the Child Victims Act, the credit is due. With them we proudly stand.