The Diocese of Allentown has completed the sale of two tracts of land in connection with the funding of the now-completed Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program, which provided victims of clergy sexual abuse with compensation as one aspect of their healing.
The Diocese reported in November 2020 that the independent administrators of the Compensation Program had finished their work, awarding compensation of $15.85 million to 96 applicants, with one additional offer pending.
The Diocese raised the funds for victim compensation by borrowing money, by selling unused land to repay the loans, and by using available cash. The Diocese did not use parish or school assets, pension fund assets, or contributions to the Annual Appeal for the fund
The two land sales completed in December were:
- 2759 and 3131 Flint Hill Road, Upper Saucon Township, Lehigh County: 118 acres sold to PD Flint Hill LLC for $3.55 million.
- 617 N. Krocks Road, Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County, 53 acres sold to Lower Macungie Mixed Use Development LCC for $7.5 million.
With the completion of the sales, the Diocese has repaid the bank loan that was taken to provide funding for the Compensation Program.
Raising money for the Compensation Program for victims and survivors of clergy abuse placed the Diocese under severe financial stress.
In spite of those challenges, and others that have arisen during the pandemic, the Diocese maintains its steadfast commitment to continued pastoral and charitable works for members of the community.
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