Fresno Diocese faces bankruptcy amid clergy abuse scandal
The Roman Catholic diocese in Fresno, California, USA, has received as many as 154 complaints over just three years. Faced with a significant crisis, the diocese plans to file for bankruptcy. The diocesan bishop promises compensation, but according to organizations advocating for justice, it may not be that simple.
Media worldwide report on cases of paedophilia among clergy in the USA. In some states, there are as many as five hundred victims.
According to information from the Los Angeles Times, the Fresno diocese in California will file for bankruptcy in August. Bishop Joseph V. Brennan believes it will allow "addressing the claims of victims in a fair, compassionate, and just manner."
In this diocese alone, 154 cases of sexual assault have been reported. The victims are seeking justice.
This challenge gives us the opportunity to double our efforts to create a safe environment for everyone in and outside the church and to address the real issues of atoning for the sin of clergy abusing children," said Bishop Brennan.
Diocese bankruptcy. What does it mean?
According to American media, a church declaring bankruptcy can undergo court-supervised reorganization. According to the diocesan bishop, all victims will receive compensation, and church funds will not be depleted.
The decision to declare bankruptcy has been responded to by the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. According to the organization, bankruptcy is not the only way to achieve justice. They added that victims will turn into creditors, and harmed individuals would be deprived of the possibility of seeking compensation.
We believe that children should be protected, not secrets and assets. In our view, this legal tactic shows that the Fresno diocese is truly bankrupt, morally bankrupt - the Network stated.
According to the "LA Times," in April, the Sacramento diocese declared bankruptcy, and a year ago, the San Francisco archdiocese did the same.
