Global Courant 2023-05-09 05:31:13
The Catholic Diocese of Oakland announced Monday that it has filed for bankruptcy amid 330 sexual abuse lawsuits in a bid to stabilize its finances, the group said.
Most of the claims concern sexual abuse that took place in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s by priests who are no longer active in ministry or have died, the diocese said.
In a letter to parishioners, Bishop Michael C. Barber said the diocese believes “this process is the best way to ensure a fair and equitable outcome for the survivors.”
The Cathedral of Christ the Light and the Oakland Catholic Diocese building in Oakland, California. The diocese has filed for bankruptcy as it faces 33 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse. (Google Maps)
“It is important that we take responsibility for the damage done so that we can all move beyond this moment and offer some measure of peace to the survivors. Sadly, for many, the pain caused by these heinous sins will continue, no matter when they occurred , never disappear.” gone, so we offer support to survivors and pray for their continued healing,” he wrote.
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The bankruptcy will allow the diocese to “stabilize its finances and continue the sacred mission entrusted to us by Christ and the Church,” Barber added.
All Catholic schools operating in the diocese will not be affected as they are separate legal entities and not included in the filing. Sellers will also be paid for all goods and services provided after the filing, the diocese said.
California had allowed time-barred and expired cases to be filed by alleged survivors, leading to lawsuits. The request comes as attendance at Catholic Mass is down 42% in 2021 and the church is dealing with an aging clergy, the diocese said.
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California Assembly Bill 218 temporarily lifted the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits against any institution accused of facilitating abuses. Barber said the church “couldn’t bear the burden of litigating the hundreds of cases.”
The Survivors Network, known as SNAP, said the bankruptcy is an attempt to deny justice and transparency to survivors.
“Everything about this bankruptcy seems wrong to us,” the group said in a statement. “It’s all about keeping money and secrets. From one coast to the next, the same ruse is being used by Catholic bishops. Minimize and cover up child crimes while keeping abusers in the ministry.”
It called the diocese a “morally bankrupt” organization that does not deserve to be declared financially bankrupt.
The Catholic Church has come under heavy scrutiny over allegations of sexual abuse by priests dating back decades and alleged attempts by the Church to cover it up.
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“We know that the pain inflicted on our children and young people decades ago still causes great suffering,” Barber said. “I am deeply saddened by this reality and pray daily for all those affected. As Pope Benedict XVI reminds us, there is sin and evil in the world, even in our Church. But there is also an abundance of virtue and mercy. sin and go forth as instruments of God’s mercy and holiness.”
The Diocese of Oakland serves two counties in the East Bay region, Alameda and Contra Costa counties, and includes approximately 550,000 Catholics in 82 parishes.
