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January 1, San Francisco Archdiocese Files for Bankruptcy Amid 500+ Abuse Lawsuits
San Francisco’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese is now facing severe financial strain as it is compelled to declare bankruptcy due to an overwhelming number of sex abuse lawsuits.
The Archdiocese, a prominent religious entity overseeing 88 parishes across the affluent counties of San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo, is caught in the crosshairs of over 500 pending lawsuits pertaining to historic allegations of sexual misconduct.
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, addressing the grim circumstances, said:
“The unfortunate reality is that the Archdiocese has neither the financial means nor the practical ability to litigate all of these abuse claims individually, and therefore, after much consideration, concluded that the bankruptcy process was the best solution for providing fair and equitable compensation to the innocent survivors who have been harmed.”
He further pointed out, “The overwhelming majority of the more than 500 claims stem from allegations of sexual abuse that occurred 30 or more years ago involving priests who are no longer active in ministry or are deceased.”
However, many view this move with skepticism. Prominent among the doubters is attorney Jeff Anderson, who represents a significant number of the plaintiffs.
Anderson strongly criticized Archbishop Cordileone’s decision.
“Cordileone will use every tactic and tool at his disposal to continue to run from the truth,” Anderson said.
“He refuses to identify offenders in his diocese, he attempts legal maneuvers to eliminate the California Child Victims Act, and now he is attempting a last-ditch effort to hide the truth behind bankruptcy.”
Echoing similar doubts, SNAP, a network supporting victims of clergy abuse, questioned the Archdiocese’s claim of financial duress.
In their official statement, SNAP contended, “We seriously doubt that the Archdiocese of San Francisco does not have the assets to settle these lawsuits.”
The group further pressed for a detailed examination of the Archdiocese’s extensive real estate assets across three of California’s most prosperous counties.
California’s legal landscape further complicated matters for the Archdiocese when, in 2019, the state legislature allowed victims of childhood sexual assault a three-year window to bring forward claims, surpassing the customary statute of limitations.
This legislation was effective until the end of 2022.
A similar provision from 2003 saw the San Francisco Archdiocese settle legal claims amounting to over $70 million, consequently depleting its insurance reserves and compelling the sale of several properties.
Bottom Line
San Francisco’s recent Chapter 11 filing is reminiscent of preceding similar actions taken by neighboring Roman Catholic bodies, including the Diocese of Oakland in May and the Diocese of Santa Rosa earlier in March.
The recurring instances underline the significant challenges the Roman Catholic Church faces in the state of California.
As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.
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The Rebel
August 25, 2023 at 7:32 pm
Sounds like Pervy Jose Bidumb and his son, HUNTER, could be involved in the pedophile abuse and the bankruptcy suit.
Mad Girl
August 25, 2023 at 8:36 pm
Now they don’t have to pay out to the victims. They should lose their non-profit status.
Recce
August 26, 2023 at 5:43 am
Bankruptcy doesn’t necessarily protect it from paying out to victims, particularly if the bankruptcy is to reorganize its assets. Considering the possible criminal nature of the claims alleged, I doubt a court would negate the claims entirely.
As for losing their non-profit status, I must certainly agree. A tax authority can revoke it considering convicting on charges of criminality.
VICTOR T.
August 25, 2023 at 8:46 pm
Folks, that is exactly what the Communist, Liberal, Progressive LEFT MINIONS, have been shooting for…
-i.e. remove the Christians their Moral and Faith Base, and then, destroy them… Sad!
MAY GOD PROTECT AMERICA FROM SCUM/CORRUPT POLITICIANS!
Stephen S
August 25, 2023 at 10:08 pm
Or–and hear me out–maybe next time you DON’T cover for pedophile priests, deny what you know to be true, shuffle them around to other dioces in secret (but with full knowledge of their crimes).
But don’t go blaming “The Liberals” and “Joe Biden” when the proof is staring you in the face that it’s actually the priests committing child sexual molestation, and the Archdiocese covering it up. Or does being the “party of personal responsibility” no longer mean anything? Is bearing false witness against your neighbor no longer one of the 10 Commandments? Does “F#ck Around and Find Out” only apply to the guys on the *other* team?
CandygramForMongo
August 26, 2023 at 6:30 am
Maybe ots time to screen these wishing to enter the priesthood? Stop the pedophiles from becoming pedophile priests!
Peter Sholven
August 26, 2023 at 7:50 am
Can a tax exempt business file for bankruptcy?
Barbara
August 26, 2023 at 2:39 pm
Communists want to destroy Catholic Church and they are on the way to achieve their goal. Why we don’t hear anything about abuse in schools, offices, etc, there is only abuse in church?! People, open your eyes and think where we are push to go. Soon, China will be the happiest place compared to us. There is only 1% abuse by church and rest is by others. Why we don’t know anything about it?