Bankruptcy Sparks Wave of Proposed Shutdowns (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Buffalo, New York – The Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo plunged into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020 amid roughly 900 sexual abuse claims. Facing a mounting settlement, church leaders moved to shutter dozens of parishes and sell their properties. Local faithful, led by figures like Mary Pruski, pushed back fiercely. Their efforts, grounded in canon law, have kept several churches open despite the financial pressures.
Bankruptcy Sparks Wave of Proposed Shutdowns
The diocese’s financial woes stemmed directly from New York’s Sexual Assault Victims Act, which lifted statute-of-limitations barriers for old cases. Claims dated back to the late 1950s, including those from families of victims who had died or taken their own lives. Negotiations halted upon bankruptcy filing, marking what advocates call the longest such case for any U.S. diocese.
Leaders targeted affluent parishes with valuable land for closure, aiming to tap savings and real estate sales for victim compensation. Six years ago, the diocese oversaw 160 churches. By early 2024, that number had dwindled amid mergers and shutdowns. Now, close to 90 remain open, with many others converted to apartments, mosques, or left vacant.
Mary Pruski Emerges as Key Advocate
A former critical care nurse with a history of challenging authority, Pruski joined the fray when her parish, St. Bernadette’s in Orchard Park, faced closure. The church sits on 27 prime acres, making it a prime target. She channeled her advocacy instincts into the fight, declaring her determination rooted in personal resolve.
Save Our Buffalo Churches, formed in 2004, grew rapidly as parishes sought help. Initially a small group, it expanded when 30 of 60 targeted sites reached out. With guidance from the St. Joseph’s Canon Law Foundation in Ohio, members appealed bishop decisions. Four parishes in their network won recourse, including St. Bernadette’s, which continues to serve its community.
Key Wins So Far:
- St. Bernadette’s remains operational after successful appeal.
- Three other group parishes secured canon law victories.
- At least four additional sites prevailed independently.
Canon Law as a Shield Against Closures
Advocates argue closures require grave cause, not temporary issues like priest shortages or finances. Canon law permits appeals of bishop rulings, emphasizing that consecrated buildings endure in perpetuity when parishioners commit to maintenance. Demographic shifts or funding gaps do not qualify as sufficient grounds.
The group sends Vatican updates every 60 days and leverages media scrutiny. Local outlets have amplified their evidence-based claims, countering diocese spin. Federal Bankruptcy Judge Carl Bucki, a daily Mass attendee, has scrutinized asset use, limiting seminary sale proceeds for settlements to one-third. Parishioners insist their donations support local needs, not diocesan debts.
Pruski highlighted internal excesses: top diocesan officials earn up to $200,000 annually with perks like paid travel to Europe, far exceeding local norms. Such disparities fuel distrust and exacerbate priest shortages, as clergy avoid the area.
Why Buffalo Stands Apart
While national church attendance declines contribute to some closures, most in Buffalo trace to settlement demands. Of 30-40 unchallenged sites, only 25-30 percent met closure criteria. Others lacked resolve to fight. Buffalo’s bishop, desperate for funds, prioritizes property over viability.
Legal fees have topped $17 million, with no settlements reached. Victims deserve compensation, parishioners agree, but not at the expense of active parishes. The diocese’s approach has halved church numbers, yet resistance persists. Ongoing appeals signal that the battle continues, preserving sacred spaces amid crisis.
