CV NEWS FEED // Bishop Jaime Soto announced on Saturday that his diocese in Sacramento, California, will file for bankruptcy to finance abuse claims following more than 250 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by clergy or church staff.
“I remain steadfast in my belief that I must continue to atone for the horrible sin of clergy sexual abuse. The sickening evil that was perpetrated upon innocent children – and the failure of Church leadership to address it appropriately – has caused unfathomable pain that endures,” Soto stated in a letter to the diocese.
It is these sins that brought us to this place. Pray for the healing of victim-survivors. The pain inflicted on them lasts a lifetime, and so our atonement must be a lifetime commitment.
Soto explained that without this process, it is unlikely that abuse victims could receive fair consideration of their claims.
“It is now clear to me that the only respectful, transparent, and fair way to address the substantial number of claims by those who have been abused by clergy and other members of the Church is to seek a court-supervised reorganization,” he continued. “This process will also allow me to sustain the sanctifying, teaching, and charitable work of the Catholic community in Northern California.”
The diocese intends to seek Chapter 11 protection by next March. Under Chapter 11, a court would determine how to distribute the diocese’s assets to fulfill claims by abuse victims, who would be represented in court.
In the Diocese of Sacramento, 80% of the allegations were related to claims from 1980 or earlier, while five claims came after 2002.
Filing bankruptcy will allow the diocese’s charitable work to continue in parishes, schools, and other organizations. Only the administrative office of the bishop will file for bankruptcy.
“Bankruptcy is a costly and lengthy process, but it also provides supervision and transparency for all the parties involved so that a fair resolution is offered to the victim-survivors of abuse,” Soto continued.
Soto asked his parishioners to join him in prayer for “this journey of atonement and renewal.”
“With God’s mercy we will emerge from this necessary, penitential exercise with greater resolve to be a humble sanctuary of holiness and healing for all the sons and daughters of God in Northern California,” he concluded.