(ZENIT News / Fresno, 11.06.2024).- The Fresno Diocese in California declared bankruptcy due to legislation that eliminated the statute of limitations, in cases related to child sexual abuse, for a period of three years. It’s the sixth California diocese that assumes this situation.
In a letter dated May 28, Bishop Joseph Brennan of Fresno said: “To declare ourselves in bankruptcy under Chapter 11 will enable us to address the substantial number of claims filed by the victims collectively, and to address those claims in an honest, compassionate and equitable way.”
The California diocese declares bankruptcy after facing 154 lawsuits for child sexual abuse. Bishop Brennan said that the decision ensures the handling of claims by the diocese in an equitable manner. It will present the petition of bankruptcy in August, thus guaranteeing to all the victims a just compensation without exhausting the funds with the payment of the first cases.
Another benefit is that the work of diocesan schools, parishes and organizations can continue, as the sole entity to declare bankruptcy is legally the Roman Catholic Bishop of Fresno.
The Fresno Diocese’s Catholic Charities Service and Education Corporation , which runs the diocesan schools, are separate legal and ecclesial entities, and do not declare bankruptcy, said Monsignor Joseph Brennan.
The so-called retrospective law, promulgated throughout the country, led to the declaration of bankruptcy by several dioceses to address the lawsuits against them. The Archdiocese of San Francisco and the dioceses of Sacramento, Oakland, San Diego and Santa Rosa of California have taken this legal step in the last years. Other California dioceses have not filed for bankruptcy.
The Fresno Diocese has received 154 lawsuits due to law AB 218, promulgated in October 2019, a law that eliminated the statute of limitation for any complaints for sexual abuse of a minor during three years, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022.
Bishop Brennan said: “What we are facing gives us the opportunity to redouble our efforts to create a safe environment for all inside and outside the Church, and to address real problems to expiate the sin of the clergy’s abuse against children.”
He also said that the diocese’s commitment to protect young people will go on in a continuous effort as “maximum priority” for the local Church. “The victims of abuse endure a whole life of pain and we, as Catholics, must commit ourselves to a life of expiation.”
“When I hear how many lives have been affected by the clergy’s sexual abuse, my heart really breaks. I imagine that many of you are consternated by the news of our serious financial situation, but I ask you to put your anxiety aside and to turn your hearts to the victims of abuse.”
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