02-07-2025
Fresno Catholic diocese files bankruptcy after facing claims of abuse by clergy
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno announced Tuesday it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization after being accused of at least 153 instances of abuse by clergy during a special legislative window for filing claims that might otherwise have expired.
News of the filing has come after reports that almost half a dozen Catholic dioceses have filed for bankruptcy protection in the aftermath of a 2019 state law that opened a three-year period for people to sue based on allegations that in normal circumstances would have been barred by the statute of limitations.
The bishop of the Fresno diocese, Joseph Brennan, said in a news release the church must address the suffering that victims of clergy sexual abuse endured.
"We know the sin; it will always be before us," he stated.
"As your bishop, I commit to maintain the highest standards for the protection of the vulnerable and our youth," Brennan continued, "and I will continue to confront allegations of abuse or any wrongdoing with diligence and care."
The decision to file was criticized by a Los Angeles law firm specializing in cases of abuse by clergy. Jeff Anderson & Associates released a statement calling the bankruptcy case a "self-serving tactic" that protects the diocese by minimizing its role in sexual crimes.
'Many survivors have been fighting a battle against their trauma for decades,' attorney Jennifer Stein said in the release. 'Now, survivors have to face yet another drawn-out battle — fighting for justice and accountability in a bankruptcy court.'
The release went on to say the law firm believes the diocese delayed filing for bankruptcy in order to hide the truth and avoid accountability from survivors who have filed claims of abuse by clergy.
This story will be updated.
