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Buffalo Catholic Diocese to sell Bishop's residence to fund victim's compensation program

The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo announced they will be selling the Bishop's Oakland Place residence in Buffalo

BUFFALO, NY-- The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo announced they will be selling the Bishop's Oakland Place residence in Buffalo and the proceeds will go towards the compensation program that benefits those sexually assaulted by priests.

The announcement was made Tuesday afternoon.

“This move underscores the importance we place on helping the victims of abuse to begin healing,” said Bishop Malone in a released statement. Bishop Malone said that he consulted with the diocesan Finance Council, College of Consultors and the Presbyteral Council during the decision making process.

The former convent at St. Stanislaus Parish on Townsend will serve at the Bishop's residence.

The Diocese also announced they will be selling the Sheehan Residence for retired priests on Linwood Avenue. The proceeds from that sale will benefit the Retired Diocesan Priests’ Medical Benefits Fund.

But a law firm for sex abuse victims wants the diocese to be more transparent.

“Do the right thing,” said Attorney Mike Reck, who represents survivors of priest abuse. "And by doing the right thing we mean disclose the identities and whereabouts of all credibly accused clerics, those who are alive, those who are dead, those who are diocesan, those who are members of religious orders"

The law firm pointed to a letter written by the now Syracuse Bishop Cunningham, who was a Monsignor in Buffalo when many of the allegations of priest abusing kids happened. In 2004, he wrote there were “93 complaints of sexual abuse made against 53 members of the clergy.”

Lawyers say it shows he knew more, and more should have been done.

“To have somebody with that intimate knowledge of what happened inside the Diocese with these abuse cases, he's the one” said Attorney and advocate Stacey Benson.

You can read the Diocesan Administrator full letter here:

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