Chapter 11
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Proposed Settlement as of June 29, 2026
Archbishop Cordileone’s letter
June 29, 2026
Dear Faithful of the Archdiocese of San Francisco:
Today, I am informing you that we have reached a settlement agreement in principle associated with the Chapter 11 bankruptcy action in the amount of $395 million.
The proposed financial settlement would resolve all lawsuits related to child sexual abuse brought against the Archdiocese under California Assembly Bill 218 (AB-218).
We recognize that no financial settlement can erase the painful legacy of these past actions. However, we believe this proposal offers a path toward fair compensation for survivors who have carried the burden of this abuse for a lifetime. Sexual abuse of children and young people is a tragedy that has affected many parts of society, including the Church. Although most of the sexual abuse claims brought under AB-218 in the Archdiocese of San Francisco involve incidents dating back many decades and individuals who are deceased or no longer in ministry, we accept responsibility for the failures that allowed this harm to occur. I sincerely apologize to all those who have suffered because of those failures. We remain committed to fostering healing and reconciliation and to accompanying all who deserve our unwavering respect, attention, and prayers.
California has, on more than one occasion, lifted the civil statute of limitations for historical sexual abuse claims, and the real possibility of future legislative changes presents a significant risk to our Archdiocese, parishes, and schools. To address potential liability arising from known and unknown historical claims, the proposed settlement includes a channeling injunction and releases for the Archdiocese and other archdiocesan entities. These protections require that covered claims be resolved through the settlement trust established for that purpose rather than through civil litigation.
Over the past decades, the Archdiocese has absorbed the financial impact of legal expenses and settlements on behalf of parishes, schools and other related entities. The current environment is much more challenging. While parishes and other archdiocesan entities were not included in the Chapter 11 filing, they will need to contribute funds and assets not restricted for specific purposes toward this proposed settlement to secure these legal safeguards and share in the work of making amends for the harm of the past. I want to emphasize that our central archdiocesan chancery office is contributing as much as possible to minimize parish impact, and no donor-restricted donations to parishes, schools, or the Archdiocese, nor donations to the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal, will be used. Each pastor is receiving information about parish contribution amounts, and additional information about channeling injunctions and releases is available in the attached Q&A document.
We want our Catholic family to move forward together and continue to focus on and grow our vital ministries to the faithful and community members who rely on our services and charity. Our faith calls us to maintain strong screening and preventative measures to protect children and eradicate this shameful crime from our midst and from society as a whole. Since the 1980s, the Archdiocese of San Francisco has prioritized training and background screening, and our Office of Child and Youth Protection and Safe Environment Program has an outstanding independent audit record.
I want to express my deepest appreciation to our chancery, parish and other archdiocesan leadership teams who, along with a very capable team of legal professionals, worked tirelessly for more than 30 months to bring about this proposal. Together, they engaged in this very challenging work with the highest integrity, character and authentic care and sensitivity. While there is much work still to be done as we make progress in good faith on the details of a consensual Chapter 11 plan of reorganization, I ask you to join me in prayer for all survivors of sexual abuse, for our Archdiocese, parish communities and schools.
Most Reverend Salvatore J. Cordileone
Archbishop of San Francisco
Press Release
Contact:
Peter Marlow
(415) 614-5636
Comms@sfarch.org
Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco reaches agreement in principle on a $395 million bankruptcy settlement
Term sheet outlines proposed agreement; formal plan of reorganization to follow
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June 29, 2026 –The “Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco” (RCASF) announced today an agreement in principle to a financial settlement proposal of $395 million for survivors of sexual abuse associated with California Assembly Bill 218 (AB-218).
All litigation between the RCASF, the Creditors’ Committee and other related organizations has been paused as the RCASF and other parties work in good faith on the details of a consensual Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.
The proposed financial settlement would resolve the more than 500 lawsuits related to child sexual abuse allegations brought against the RCASF under AB-218, which provided a three-year window (from Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2022) for filing decades-old civil claims that otherwise were time barred.
“We believe this proposal provides a path toward fair compensation for survivors who have borne the weight of this abuse for a lifetime,” said the Most Reverend Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco. “The entire Catholic family is called to unite and share in the work of making amends through this proposed settlement. We have a moral obligation to bring some level of healing and reconciliation to those who deserve our unwavering respect, attention and prayers. With stringent preventative measures and trainings now in place for decades, the hope is that this proposal will allow us collectively to move forward by continuing the important ministries to the faithful and community members that rely on our services and charity.”
Since the Chapter 11 filing in August 2023, the RCASF, parishes, schools and other entities have continued to serve the 442,000 Catholics in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin, and its priests and deacons have continued to carry out their vital ministries within the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
The Archdiocese of San Francisco has been long committed to providing available resources such as counseling and pastoral assistance to survivors of abuse. It had established policies and protocols to protect children and address and report incidents of sexual abuse of minors even before the U.S. bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002. The Archdiocese has taken exhaustive steps to immediately remove from active ministry any person with an allegation of sexual childhood abuse while an investigation is pending, to require criminal background checks for clergy, employees, and volunteers who work with youth, and to implement educational programs for both children and adults to prevent abuse.
The Archdiocese also established an Office of Child and Youth Protection to maintain the highest standards for its preventative Safe Environment Program and to address allegations of past and current abuse by any clergy, employee, or volunteer. The program has two Safe Environment Coordinators to monitor program compliance; in addition, a Victim Assistance Coordinator maintains a hotline for reporting abuse, provides counseling, and offers other support services. The Office is also responsible for coordinating the fingerprinting of employees, volunteers, and clerics who interact with children, as well as facilitating annual compliance audits conducted by independent auditors to review the implementation of policies and procedures for the protection of children. The archdiocese has an outstanding audit record. The settlement also will include several non-monetary provisions designed to strengthen the existing Safe Environment Program.
“While the vast majority of sexual abuse allegations associated with this bankruptcy were from many decades ago, we accept full responsibility for what happened, and I sincerely apologize to all those who have been harmed,” said Archbishop Cordileone. “We remain committed to the healing and care of survivors who have suffered because of past sins of Church ministers. We pray for all survivors of sexual abuse, for our Archdiocese, parish communities and schools, and for the eradication of this shameful crime from our midst and from society as a whole.”
Additional information on the proposed settlement and the archdiocesan Safe Environment Program can be found on the Archdiocese of San Francisco website.
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Questions and Answers - Chapter 11 bankruptcy update (06/29/2026)
What is the status of Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the Archdiocese of San Francisco?
The Archdiocese has reached a settlement agreement in principle associated with the Chapter 11 bankruptcy action in the amount of $395 million. All litigation between the Archdiocese, the Creditors’ Committee and other related organizations has been paused as the Archdiocese and other parties work in good faith on the details of a consensual Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.
Is insurance available to contribute to the financial settlement?
This proposed settlement agreement does not include insurance contributions from those companies insuring the Archdiocese and related affiliates. Negotiations with archdiocesan-related insurance companies will continue in the future. These insurer contributions will not affect the agreed-upon total contributions from the debtor (the Archdiocese) and all other participating parties from the broader Catholic family.
Will parish and school property be sold as part of the settlement?
While there is a presumption that contributions will come from unrestricted funds, parishes and schools are empowered to make their own decisions regarding contributions to the settlement to secure the channeling injunction. Contributions can come from unrestricted funds or other unrestricted assets determined by parish and school leadership.
Could parish and school fundraising and donor confidence be impacted by the proposed settlement?
It falls to us, in charity, to correct past wrongs by helping bring about some degree of healing and closure for survivors of abuse. Parishes and other archdiocesan entities will need to contribute funds and assets not restricted for specific purposes toward the proposed settlement to secure legal safeguards afforded by channeling injunctions. Our central archdiocesan chancery office is contributing as much as possible to minimize parish impact, and no donor-restricted donations to parishes, schools, or the Archdiocese, nor donations to the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal, will be used.
For those generous stewards who help to fund archdiocesan school and parish ministries, this proposed bankruptcy settlement brings a sense of finality to the cloud of abuse litigation for historical claims that has been hanging over our archdiocese. It should give our vital donor base assurances that effective fundraising can proceed without such a significant threat. The positive effect of donor generosity is represented by the impact our ministries are having on the communities we serve across San Mateo, San Francisco and Marin counties.
What are the lessons learned by the archdiocese from these abuse allegations and the bankruptcy proceedings?
What we have learned from this painful chapter is, first and foremost, the reinforcement of transparency and accountability. While no explanation or passage of time can undo the harm that was done, it falls to us in charity to bring about some degree of healing and closure for survivors of abuse. We stand in solidarity with survivors, offering not only words, but meaningful acts of reparation and reconciliation.
At the same time, there has been deep and lasting recognition that safeguarding children remains an unwavering priority embedded in every level of Church life. Over the past two decades, the Church—both nationally and locally—has implemented rigorous measures: zero-tolerance policies, mandatory reporting, independent review processes, background checks, and continuous training for clergy, staff, and volunteers. These are not symbolic gestures, but concrete programs designed to prevent abuse, respond swiftly to allegations, and foster a culture of vigilance and care. Our Safe Environment program is independently audited every year, and we have an outstanding audit record.
Another lesson has been the importance of our multiple channels of oversight and shared responsibility. The Church cannot address this crisis in isolation. Structures such as independent review boards and regular external audits reflect a commitment to accountability that extends beyond internal governance. The lay faithful play a vital role in ensuring that policies are followed and that safe environments are truly maintained.
Finally, healing is not a single moment but a long journey. Financial settlements and legal resolutions, while necessary, are only part of that path. The deeper work is spiritual and pastoral: listening to survivors, supporting them with compassion, and remaining steadfast in prayer and reform. With sorrow for the past and a renewed sense of determination, we seek not simply to “move on,” but to move forward more faithfully committed to justice, protection, and the dignity of every person.
Sexual abuse is, unfortunately, still a widespread societal problem that affects people across many industries and communities. Public health experts recognize it as an ongoing issue impacting millions of individuals. How can the archdiocese apply its recent experiences to help build awareness of safe environment best practices to confront this egregious societal issue?
It would be misleading to frame this crisis as though it belongs primarily to one institution. The Church must continue to take responsibility for the real and grievous harm that occurred within its care, without deflection or minimization. At the same time, what has become painfully clear over the past several decades is that sexual abuse is a pervasive societal tragedy present across industries and institutions and, most devastatingly, within families themselves.
Research and public reporting have shown that abuse occurs in environments as varied as entertainment, athletics, education, business, and government. High-profile cases have revealed patterns of misconduct, institutional failures, and, at times, a reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths. In sheer scale, most abuse takes place in private settings, often involving individuals known to the victim, which underscores how widespread and deeply rooted the problem is.
Recognizing this broader context does not lessen the Church’s responsibility; rather, it places its response within a larger moral obligation shared by all of society. The Church’s efforts in recent decades—establishing strong safeguarding protocols, embracing independent oversight, and promoting a culture of vigilance—reflect lessons that can and should be applied more widely. If anything, this painful history has positioned the Church to contribute meaningfully to the broader fight against abuse by advocating for higher standards everywhere children and vulnerable people are present.
What is needed now is a unified commitment across institutions and communities: to listen to survivors, to enforce accountability, and to prioritize prevention over reputation. Sexual abuse is not confined to any one place or profession; it is a human problem that demands collective resolve. Facing that reality honestly is an essential step toward ensuring that protection, transparency, and care become the norm in every corner of society.
Why are parishes and schools being asked to contribute if they did not file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy?
Although parishes, schools, and other Catholic entities are not part of the Chapter 11 filing, they remain subject to potential litigation arising from known and unknown historical abuse claims. As part of the proposed settlement, these entities are being extended legal releases through a court-approved channeling injunction. Their contributions help secure those protections, allowing them to move forward without the uncertainty of future litigation involving historical claims.
Will future donations to a Catholic school be used to pay the Chapter 11 settlement?
Once each parish/school entity makes its contribution to the settlement fund, it can assure its donor base that there is no better time to give. In a legal environment where the California State Legislature has voted five times to extend the statute of limitations for historical abuse claims, our parishes and schools can focus on their bright future without the possibility of multi-million-dollar jury verdicts posing a hidden threat. As a result, donors can be confident that their gifts will support the school, parish, or other ministry for which they are intended, in accordance with the terms of the gift.
Will parish ministries or school programs be reduced?
Each parish and school will make decisions based on its own financial circumstances. While every effort is being made to preserve ministries, educational programs, and charitable outreach, some entities may need to postpone capital projects, reduce discretionary spending, or make other financial adjustments over time. The goal is to minimize disruption to the mission of serving the faithful and the wider community.
What happens if the proposed settlement is not approved?
If the settlement is not approved by the Bankruptcy Court, the Chapter 11 proceedings would continue, certainly resulting in additional litigation, increased legal expenses, prolonged uncertainty for survivors and Catholic entities, and delays in bringing final resolution to these historical claims.
How can parishioners help during this time?
The faithful are encouraged to continue praying for survivors of abuse, for healing within the Church, and for their parish communities. Continued participation in parish life and support of the Church’s ministries will help ensure that Catholic education, worship, charitable outreach, and service to those in need remain strong for future generations.
What is a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization, and when will it be implemented?
A Chapter 11 plan of reorganization is a court-approved roadmap for how the Archdiocese restructures its finances so it can continue operating its vital ministries while addressing its obligations associated with the proposed settlement. Plans often also include non-monetary commitments that are negotiated by the parties. Once the plan is approved, the Archdiocese exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The timetable for the plan is in the process of being determined.
Will you please share more details on how to secure the releases referred to previously?
To secure releases, parishes and affiliates would contribute money, other assets, or insurance funds as part of a global settlement to receive a release of liability from known or unknown historical claims of sexual abuse. The amount or percentage of contribution from a parish or other archdiocesan entity is being shared with each pastor.
A “channeling injunction” in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding is a court order that redirects or “channels” sexual abuse claims to a trust and prevents claimants from pursuing those claims against other parties, including a debtor, its settling insurers or other parties (e.g. parishes and high schools) contributing to the trust. The trust is funded by settlement proceeds with settling insurers, the debtor, and others who participate in the settlement and then receive a discharge (for the debtor) or a release of liability from known or unknown historical claims of sexual abuse.
This means that all existing claims and claims that may become known in the future related to historical abuse would be satisfied by the trust. Channeling injunctions and releases can benefit debtors, plaintiffs, and non-debtor entities by helping debtors resolve numerous claims in a fair manner, and they can help plaintiffs recover quickly without lengthy litigation. A channeling injunction and releases would prevent pursuit of known or unknown historical sexual abuse claims other than against the trust, even if a statute of limitations was changed in the future.
How will this settlement impact Catholic school tuition and activities?
Settlement assessments were made assuming the contributions would be provided from savings and investments, not current tuition payments. One of the primary goals of the Archdiocese is to preserve the vital ministries of Catholic education and parish life. While the financial commitment required for this proposed settlement is significant for Catholic entities already operating with limited resources, day-to-day school operations should typically continue without interruption as they have for the past 30 months of the Chapter 11 proceedings.
Will the settlement result in the closing of parishes or schools?
As indicated previously, a primary archdiocesan goal is to preserve vital ministries of Catholic education and parish life. We have no current plans to close schools or parishes to reach the proposed settlement. Contributions to the settlement will create financial strains for our parishes and schools, and it is possible that this, coupled with other factors, could lead to restructuring decisions in the future, but those decisions would be made only after a process of pastoral planning based on sound mission and financial judgements with appropriate consultation with parish and school leadership.
I understand there are non-monetary provisions associated with this proposed settlement and that those provisions will require the archdiocese to publish and maintain on its website a list of credibly accused clergy. Is this true?
In 2025, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Legislative Text published guidelines to bishops who are considering publishing a list of priests deemed “credibly accused.” The Vatican guidelines indicate that it would be a violation of Canon Law to publish lists of priests accused of sexual abuse without civil or canonical due process.
For this reason, the archdiocese will continue to follow its best practice of posting a list with the names of priests and deacons in good standing who have faculties to minister in the archdiocese. Those with questions about a priest or deacon can refer to this list on the archdiocesan website.
The non-monetary provisions related to the proposed settlement will result in the following exceptions to our published list. We will post on our website the name of a priest or deacon associated with the archdiocese who:
1. already appears on a published list of another diocese or religious order;
2. has admitted to committing sexual abuse;
3. after a civil, canonical or other formal archdiocesan proceeding, it has been determined that a sexual abuse claim is probable or sustained.
What can I do as a parishioner to support safe environments?
As a parishioner, you have great influence. The programs in place at parishes depend heavily on engaged laypeople who pay attention, ask questions, and participate in oversight. Learn about the safeguarding policies at your parish, which are outlined here. The most effective parishioners are informed participants who help ensure comprehensive safeguarding systems are used as intended.
As we make progress in good faith on the details of a consensual Chapter 11 plan of reorganization, Archbishop Cordileone has asked us to join him in prayer for all survivors of sexual abuse, for our archdiocese, parish communities, schools, and for the eradication of this shameful crime from our midst and from society as a whole.
Why should today's Catholics bear the financial cost of abuse committed decades ago?
The abuse that gave rise to these claims occurred many years ago, often involving individuals who are no longer living. Nevertheless, the Church has a moral responsibility to acknowledge the profound harm that was done and to seek justice and healing for those who suffered. As members of one Catholic family, we accept responsibility for addressing these wrongs while working to preserve the Church’s mission for future generations.
Will parish offertory collections or school operating funds be used to pay the settlement?
The expectation is that contributions will come primarily from unrestricted savings and investments rather than from weekly offertory collections or funds needed for ordinary operations. Each parish and school, however, is responsible for determining how it will meet its assigned contribution while continuing its ministry and fulfilling its financial obligations.
Are restricted donations or endowments protected?
Yes. Funds that donors have legally restricted for specific purposes cannot be used toward the settlement. This includes restricted gifts and endowments whose use is governed by donor intent. Likewise, contributions to the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal will not be used to fund the settlement.
Will planned capital improvements or building projects be delayed?
Some parishes and schools may decide to defer non-essential capital improvements or major construction projects as they fulfill their settlement obligations. Those decisions will be made locally based on pastoral priorities, financial resources, and long-term needs.
How does this settlement help survivors?
The proposed settlement provides substantial financial compensation while avoiding additional years of litigation. Equally important, it seeks to provide survivors with a measure of acknowledgment, accountability, closure, and respect. While no amount of money can undo the harm that was suffered, the Archdiocese hopes this resolution contributes to healing and reconciliation.
How do we ensure that a situation like this never happens again?
Since 2002, every U.S. diocese follows the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which requires zero tolerance, mandatory reporting, background checks, safe-environment training and regular audits of compliance. Even before the Charter was adopted, the Archdiocese of San Francisco had established policies and protocols to protect children and address and report incidents of sexual abuse of minors. The Archdiocese has provided resources such as counseling and pastoral assistance to survivors of sexual abuse.
The Archdiocese has taken exhaustive steps to immediately remove from active ministry any person with an allegation of sexual childhood abuse while an investigation is pending, require criminal background checks for clergy, employees and volunteers who work with youth, and to implement educational programs for both children and adults to prevent abuse.
The Archdiocese also established an Office of Child and Youth Protection to maintain the highest standards for its preventative Safe Environment Program and to address allegations of past and current abuse by any clergy, employee, or volunteer. To safeguard against abuse, the Archdiocese has maintained and improved awareness and education for children and adults. It uses stringent processes to screen volunteers, employees, and clergy.
All individuals 18 or older (i.e., clergy, employees, and volunteers) who interact with minors are background-screened and fingerprinted, and they are required to participate in “Protecting God’s Children” training every three years in maintaining safe practices and detecting signs of abuse. These policies require redundancy in adult supervision of children and other important preventative measures.
The Office continues to improve the content of its training courses and employs an online synchronous platform known as VIRTUS, designed by an international leader in abuse awareness training. Children in faith formation programs and schools also receive annual grade-level “Empowering God’s Children” training in recognizing inappropriate behavior and what they should do if they see or experience it.
These efforts aim to eliminate any opportunity for child abuse and provide regular reassurance to children that reports of impropriety will be taken seriously. The Office is also responsible for creating a safe and compassionate environment for abuse victim-survivors to come forward, notify civil authorities, and provide counseling and other assistance to support the healing process.
There are two Safe Environment Coordinators who monitor compliance with the Charter. A Victim Assistance Coordinator advocates for victim-survivors and maintains a hotline for reporting abuse, provides counseling, and offers other support services. The Office is also responsible for coordinating the fingerprinting of employees, volunteers, and clerics who interact with children, as well as facilitating annual compliance audits conducted by independent auditors to review the implementation of policies and procedures for the protection of children.
One component of this comprehensive program is an Independent Review Board (IRB), which is an essential step in its procedures for handling allegations of sexual abuse.
Members of the IRB are highly skilled professionals, including an adult-abuse survivor, a child-abuse survivor, psychiatrist, two physicians, a retired law-enforcement officer, a parish pastor, and the archdiocesan chancellor (the latter two are required by the Charter).
A qualified investigator conducts an independent investigation into allegations and submits a report to the IRB. The IRB reviews the allegations, the investigator’s report, and all other available information, and makes recommendations to the archbishop. Their recommendation helps to determine the best course of action.
This process is audited every year for compliance by Stonebridge Business Partners, a professional independent auditor. Every three years, the independent audit is conducted in person and includes personal interviews with IRB members and members of the archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection. The archdiocese has an outstanding audit record.
A few years ago, the Archdiocese contracted with an independent consultant to conduct a review of its files and produce a chart outlining the history of the crime of sex abuse of minors by clergy in the Archdiocese. That information can be found here.
Preguntas frecuentes - Actualización sobre la declaración de quiebra del Capítulo 11 (06/29/2026)
¿Cuál es el estado de la declaración de quiebra del Capítulo 11 para la Arquidiócesis de San Francisco?
La Arquidiócesis ha alcanzado un acuerdo de conciliación en principio asociado con la acción de declaración de quiebra del Capítulo 11 por un monto de $395 millones. Todos los litigios entre la Arquidiócesis, el Comité de Acreedores y otras organizaciones relacionadas se han suspendido mientras la Arquidiócesis y otras partes trabajan de buena fe en los detalles de un plan de reorganización consensuado del Capítulo 11.
¿Enfrentan las parroquias y otras entidades arquidiocesanas exposición legal? ¿Contribuirán estas entidades a la conciliación?
California ha ampliado en varias ocasiones el plazo de prescripción civil para el abuso sexual, y este cambio legal presenta un riesgo futuro significativo para nuestra Arquidiócesis, parroquias y escuelas. Dado que estos casos casi siempre nombran a un sacerdote o a un laico fallecidos, esto presenta desafíos significativos para una defensa legal exitosa. Los veredictos de jurado en California a menudo equivalen a sentencias por decenas de millones de dólares. Además, el Comité de Acreedores en el caso del Capítulo 11 ha presentado una demanda impugnando la separación de nuestras parroquias y otras entidades.
Si bien nuestras parroquias y demás entidades no están incluidas en la solicitud de protección bajo el Capítulo 11, contribuirán al acuerdo transaccional con fondos y activos que no estén restringidos a fines específicos, con el fin de obtener liberaciones que las protejan frente a una futura exposición a reclamaciones históricas, conocidas o desconocidas, en el supuesto probable de que el plazo de prescripción vuelva a modificarse en el futuro.
Asegurar liberaciones para parroquias y otras entidades ha sido un enfoque exitoso y universal en los recientes procedimientos diocesanos del Capítulo 11 en todo el país. La eficacia de estas liberaciones se aborda en la siguiente pregunta y respuesta.
Aunque difíciles y desafiantes, estas salvaguardias legales permitirán que toda la familia católica avance unida sin la amenaza siempre presente y real para sus parroquias, escuelas y otras entidades afiliadas de enfrentar otra ronda de reclamaciones históricas por abuso si se abre otra ventana legal en California.
Aunque la gran mayoría de las reclamaciones por abuso sexual asociadas con esta declaración de quiebra provienen de hace muchas décadas, la Arquidiócesis acepta la plena responsabilidad por lo ocurrido. Como familia católica, tenemos la obligación moral de ofrecer cierto grado de sanación, reconciliación y cierre a las personas sobrevivientes que merecen nuestro respeto, atención y oraciones.
Habiendo establecido y mantenido un programa integral de protección infantil durante más de dos décadas, esperamos avanzar juntos y continuar enfocándonos y haciendo crecer nuestros vitales ministerios para los fieles y los miembros de la comunidad que dependen de nuestros servicios y de nuestra caridad.
¿Hay algún seguro que pueda contribuir a la indemnización económica?
Este acuerdo de conciliación propuesto no incluye contribuciones de seguros de aquellas compañías que aseguran a la Arquidiócesis y a las entidades afiliadas relacionadas. Las negociaciones con las compañías de seguros relacionadas con la Arquidiócesis continuarán en el futuro. Estas contribuciones de las aseguradoras no afectarán al total acordado de las contribuciones del deudor (la Arquidiócesis) y del resto de partes participantes de la familia católica en general.
¿Se venderán los inmuebles de las parroquias y de las escuelas como parte del acuerdo?
Aunque se da por hecho que las aportaciones provendrán de fondos sin restricciones, las parroquias y las escuelas tienen libertad para decidir por sí mismos cómo contribuir al acuerdo de conciliación para garantizar la medida cautelar de canalización. Las contribuciones pueden provenir de fondos no restringidos u otros recursos no restringidos determinados por el liderazgo parroquial y escolar.
¿Podría el acuerdo propuesto afectar a la recaudación de fondos de las parroquias y las escuelas, así como a la confianza de los donantes?
Si bien otros miembros de nuestra Iglesia pueden ser personalmente responsables de estas ofensas pasadas, nos corresponde a nosotros, en caridad, corregir estas injusticias ayudando a lograr algún grado de sanación y cierre para las sobrevivientes de abuso. Las parroquias y otras entidades de la arquidiócesis tendrán que aportar fondos y recursos no destinados a fines específicos para el acuerdo propuesto, con el fin de garantizar las salvaguardias legales que ofrecen las medidas cautelares de canalización. Nuestra oficina central de la Cancillería arquidiocesana está contribuyendo tanto como sea posible para minimizar el impacto en las parroquias, y no se usarán donaciones con restricciones de donantes a parroquias, escuelas o la Arquidiócesis, ni donaciones a la campaña anual arquidiocesana.
Para los administradores generosos que contribuyen a financiar los ministerios escolares y parroquiales arquidiocesanos, este acuerdo propuesto por declaración de quiebra brinda un sentido de conclusión a la nube de litigios por abuso relacionados con reclamaciones históricas que ha pendido sobre nuestra Arquidiócesis. Debería dar a nuestra base de donantes vitales la seguridad de que una recaudación de fondos eficaz puede continuar sin una amenaza tan significativa. El efecto positivo de la generosidad de los donantes se representa en el impacto que nuestros ministerios tienen en las comunidades a las que servimos en los condados de San Mateo, San Francisco y Marin. Puede leer más sobre esto aquí.
¿Cuáles son las lecciones aprendidas por la Arquidiócesis de estas acusaciones de abuso y los procedimientos de declaración de quiebra?
Lo que hemos aprendido de este capítulo doloroso es, ante todo, el refuerzo de la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas. Aunque ninguna explicación ni el paso del tiempo pueden deshacer el daño causado, nos corresponde a nosotros, en caridad, propiciar algún grado de sanación y cierre para las sobrevivientes de abuso. Asumimos plena responsabilidad por estos fracasos pasados y nos solidarizamos con las sobrevivientes, ofreciendo no solo palabras, sino actos significativos de reparación y reconciliación.
Al mismo tiempo, ha habido un reconocimiento profundo y duradero de que la protección de los niños sigue siendo una prioridad inquebrantable integrada en todos los niveles de la vida de la Iglesia. A lo largo de las dos últimas décadas, la Iglesia —tanto a nivel nacional como local— ha puesto en marcha medidas rigurosas: políticas de tolerancia cero, obligación de denunciar, procesos de revisión independientes, verificación de antecedentes y formación continua para el clero, el personal y los voluntarios. Estos no son gestos simbólicos, sino programas concretos diseñados para prevenir el abuso, responder con rapidez a las acusaciones y fomentar una cultura de vigilancia y asistencia. Nuestro programa de ambiente seguro es auditado de forma independiente cada año, y tenemos un historial de auditoría sobresaliente.
Otra lección ha sido la importancia de nuestros múltiples canales de supervisión y de la responsabilidad compartida. La Iglesia no puede abordar esta crisis de forma aislada. Estructuras como juntas de revisión independientes y auditorías externas regulares reflejan un compromiso con la rendición de cuentas que se extiende más allá del gobierno interno. Los laicos fieles desempeñan un papel vital para asegurar que se sigan las políticas y que los ambientes seguros se mantengan realmente.
Finalmente, la sanación no es un momento único sino un largo viaje. Los acuerdos financieros y las resoluciones legales, aunque necesarios, son solo parte de ese camino. El trabajo más profundo es espiritual y pastoral: escuchar a los sobrevivientes, apoyarlos con compasión y permanecer firmes en la oración y la reforma. Con dolor por el pasado y un renovado sentido de determinación, no buscamos simplemente “seguir adelante,” sino avanzar con mayor fidelidad comprometidos con la justicia, la protección y la dignidad de cada persona.
El abuso sexual es, desgraciadamente, todavía un problema social generalizado que afecta a personas en muchas industrias y comunidades. Los expertos en salud pública lo reconocen como un problema continuo que afecta a millones de personas. ¿Cómo puede la Arquidiócesis aplicar sus experiencias recientes para ayudar a crear concientización sobre las mejores prácticas de ambiente seguro para enfrentar este atroz problema social?
Sería engañoso enmarcar esta crisis como si perteneciera principalmente a una sola institución. La Iglesia debe continuar asumiendo la responsabilidad por el daño real y grave que ocurrió bajo su cuidado, sin desvíos ni minimización. Al mismo tiempo, lo que se ha hecho dolorosamente evidente en las últimas décadas es que el abuso sexual es una tragedia social generalizada presente en industrias e instituciones y, lo más devastador, dentro de las propias familias.
La investigación y los informes públicos han demostrado que el abuso ocurre en entornos tan variados como el entretenimiento, el deporte, la educación, los negocios y el gobierno. Casos de alto perfil han revelado patrones de conducta indebida, fallas institucionales y, en ocasiones, una renuencia a confrontar verdades incómodas. En términos de magnitud, la mayor parte del abuso ocurre en ámbitos privados, a menudo involucra a personas conocidas por la víctima, lo que subraya cuán generalizado y profundamente arraigado está el problema.
Reconocer este contexto más amplio no disminuye la responsabilidad de la Iglesia; sino que sitúa su respuesta dentro de una obligación moral más amplia compartida por toda la sociedad. Los esfuerzos realizados por la Iglesia en las últimas décadas —el establecimiento de protocolos de protección sólidos, la adopción de mecanismos de supervisión independientes y el fomento de una cultura de vigilancia— reflejan lecciones que pueden y deben aplicarse de forma más generalizada. Si acaso, esta dolorosa historia ha situado a la Iglesia en posición de contribuir de manera significativa a la lucha más amplia contra el abuso al abogar por estándares más altos en todos los lugares donde haya niños y personas vulnerables.
Lo que se necesita ahora es un compromiso unificado entre instituciones y comunidades: escuchar a las sobrevivientes, garantizar la rendición de cuentas y priorizar la prevención por encima de la reputación. El abuso sexual no se limita a un solo lugar o profesión; es un problema humano que exige una resolución colectiva. Enfrentar esa realidad con honestidad es un paso esencial para asegurar que la protección, la transparencia y la asistencia se conviertan en la norma en todos los rincones de la sociedad.
¿Qué es un plan de reorganización del Capítulo 11, y cuándo se implementará?
Un plan de reorganización del Capítulo 11 es una hoja de ruta aprobada por el tribunal que detalla cómo la Arquidiócesis va a reestructurar sus finanzas para poder seguir gestionando sus ministerios esenciales y, al mismo tiempo, hacer frente a las obligaciones derivadas del acuerdo propuesto. Los planes a menudo incluyen también compromisos no monetarios que son negociados por las partes. Una vez aprobado el plan, la Arquidiócesis sale de la declaración de quiebra del Capítulo 11. El cronograma para el plan se está determinando.
¿Podría compartir más detalles sobre cómo asegurar las liberaciones mencionadas anteriormente?
Para asegurar las liberaciones, las parroquias y las entidades afiliadas contribuirían dinero, otros recursos o fondos de seguros como parte de un acuerdo global para recibir una liberación de responsabilidad frente a reclamaciones históricas conocidas o desconocidas por abuso sexual. El monto o porcentaje de contribución de una parroquia u otra entidad arquidiocesana se está compartiendo con cada párroco.
Una “medida cautelar de canalización” en un procedimiento de quiebra bajo el Capítulo 11 es una orden judicial que redirige o “canaliza” las reclamaciones por abuso sexual hacia un fideicomiso, e impide que los reclamantes persigan dichas reclamaciones contra otras partes, incluidos el deudor, sus aseguradoras que hayan llegado a un acuerdo transaccional u otras partes —por ejemplo, parroquias y escuelas secundarias— que contribuyan al fideicomiso. El fideicomiso se financia con los ingresos de la conciliación con los aseguradores que se acogen al acuerdo, el deudor y otros que participan en la conciliación y luego reciben una descarga (para el deudor) o una liberación de responsabilidad frente a reclamaciones históricas conocidas o desconocidas por abuso sexual.
Esto significa que todas las reclamaciones existentes y las reclamaciones que puedan conocerse en el futuro relacionadas con el abuso histórico serían satisfechas por el fideicomiso. Las medidas cautelares de canalización y las liberaciones pueden beneficiar a los deudores, a los demandantes y a entidades no deudoras al ayudar a los deudores a resolver numerosas reclamaciones de manera justa, y pueden ayudar a los demandantes a recuperarse rápidamente sin litigios prolongados. Una medida cautelar de canalización con liberaciones evitaría la persecución de reclamaciones por abuso sexual histórico conocidas o desconocidas, excepto contra el fideicomiso, incluso si el plazo de prescripción se cambiara en el futuro.
¿Cómo impactará este acuerdo la matrícula y las actividades de las escuelas católicas?
Uno de los objetivos principales de la Arquidiócesis es preservar los vitales ministerios de la educación católica y la vida parroquial. Si bien el compromiso financiero que exige este acuerdo propuesto es considerable para las entidades católicas que ya operan con recursos limitados, el funcionamiento diario de las escuelas debería continuar, por lo general, sin interrupciones, tal y como ha venido ocurriendo durante los últimos 30 meses del procedimiento del Capítulo 11. Los impactos financieros asociados con las contribuciones al acuerdo de conciliación suelen resultar en cambios incrementales a lo largo del tiempo y rara vez son abruptos.
¿Resultará el acuerdo en el cierre de parroquias o escuelas?
Como se indicó anteriormente, un objetivo arquidiocesano primordial es preservar ministerios vitales de la educación católica y de la vida parroquial. No tenemos planes actuales de cerrar escuelas o parroquias para alcanzar el acuerdo propuesto. Las contribuciones al acuerdo crearán tensiones financieras para nuestras parroquias y escuelas, y es posible que esto, junto con otros factores, pueda conducir en el futuro a decisiones de reestructuración, pero esas decisiones se tomarían únicamente después de un proceso de planificación pastoral basado en juicios sólidos de misión y financieros y con la consulta apropiada con el liderazgo parroquial y escolar.
Entiendo que hay disposiciones no monetarias asociadas con este acuerdo propuesto y que esas disposiciones exigirán que la Arquidiócesis publique y mantenga en su Sitio web una lista de clérigos crediblemente acusados. ¿Es esto cierto?
En 2025, el Dicasterio para los Textos Legislativos del Vaticano publicó lineamientos para los obispos que están considerando publicar una lista de sacerdotes considerados “crediblemente acusados”. Las directrices del Vaticano indican que sería una violación del Derecho Canónico publicar listas de sacerdotes acusados de abuso sexual sin el debido proceso civil o canónico.
Por eso, la arquidiócesis seguirá con su buena práctica de publicar una lista con los nombres de los sacerdotes y diáconos en regla que tienen facultades para ejercer su ministerio en la arquidiócesis. Quienes tengan alguna duda sobre un sacerdote o un diácono pueden consultar esta lista en el Sitio web de la archidiócesis.
Las disposiciones no monetarias relacionadas con el acuerdo propuesto resultarán en las siguientes excepciones a nuestra lista publicada. Publicaremos en nuestro Sitio web el nombre de un sacerdote o diácono asociado con la Arquidiócesis que:
1. ya figura en una lista publicada de otra diócesis u orden religiosa;
2. ha admitido haber cometido abuso sexual;
3. tras un proceso civil, canónico u otro procedimiento arquidiocesano formal, se ha determinado que una acusación de abuso sexual es probable o fundada.
¿Cómo aseguramos que una situación así no vuelva a ocurrir?
Desde 2002, todas las diócesis de EE. UU. se rigen por la Carta para la protección de los niños y jóvenes, que exige tolerancia cero, la obligación de denunciar, la verificación de antecedentes, Formación Ambiente Seguro y auditorías periódicas para comprobar su cumplimiento. Incluso antes de que se adoptara la Carta, la Arquidiócesis de San Francisco había establecido políticas y protocolos para proteger a los niños y atender y reportar incidentes de abuso sexual de menores. La Arquidiócesis ha proporcionado recursos como consejería y asistencia pastoral a sobrevivientes de abuso sexual.
La Arquidiócesis ha tomado medidas exhaustivas para retirar de inmediato del ministerio activo a cualquier persona con una acusación de abuso sexual infantil mientras está pendiente una investigación, exigir verificación de antecedentes para el clero, empleados y voluntarios que trabajan con jóvenes, y poner en marcha programas educativos tanto para niños como para adultos para prevenir el abuso. La Arquidiócesis también creó una Oficina de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes para mantener los más altos estándares de su Programa preventivo de Ambiente Seguro y para atender acusaciones de abuso pasado y presente por parte de cualquier clérigo, empleado o voluntario. Para proteger contra el abuso, la Arquidiócesis ha mantenido y mejorado la concientización y la educación para niños y adultos. Utiliza procesos estrictos para evaluar a voluntarios, empleados y clero.
Todas las personas de 18 años o más (es decir, clero, empleados y voluntarios) que interactúan con menores son sometidas a verificación de antecedentes y se les realiza toma de huellas dactilares, y se les exige participar en la capacitación “Protecting God’s Children” cada tres años para mantener prácticas seguras y detectar señales de abuso. Estas políticas requieren redundancia en la supervisión adulta de los niños y otras medidas preventivas importantes. La Oficina sigue mejorando el contenido de sus cursos de formación y utiliza una plataforma en línea sincrónica llamada VIRTUS, diseñada por una empresa líder a nivel internacional en formación sobre concientización ante los abusos. Los niños en programas de formación de la fe y en escuelas también reciben anualmente la capacitación por grado “Empowering God’s Children” sobre el reconocimiento de comportamientos inapropiados y sobre qué deben hacer si los ven o los experimentan. Estos esfuerzos buscan eliminar cualquier oportunidad de abuso infantil y brindar a los niños la tranquilidad constante de que los informes de conducta indebida serán tomados en serio.
La Oficina también se encarga de crear un ambiente seguro y solidario para que las víctimas y supervivientes de abuso den un paso al frente, informen a las autoridades civiles y reciban consejería y otro tipo de ayuda para apoyar su proceso de sanación.
Hay dos coordinadores de ambiente seguro que supervisan el cumplimiento de la Carta. Un Coordinador de Asistencia a las Víctimas defiende los intereses de las víctimas y supervivientes, gestiona una línea de atención telefónica para denunciar casos de abuso, ofrece consejería y presta otros servicios de apoyo. La Oficina también se encarga de coordinar la toma de huellas dactilares de los empleados, voluntarios y clérigos que interactúan con menores, así como de facilitar las auditorías anuales de cumplimiento realizadas por auditores independientes para revisar la aplicación de las políticas y procedimientos destinados a la protección de los menores. Un componente de este programa integral es una Junta de Revisión Independiente (JRI), que es un paso esencial en sus procedimientos para manejar denuncias de abuso sexual. Los integrantes de la JRI son profesionales altamente capacitados, incluyendo a un sobreviviente de abuso en la adultez, un sobreviviente de abuso infantil, un psiquiatra, dos médicos, un oficial retirado de las fuerzas del orden, un párroco y el canciller arquidiocesano (los dos últimos son requeridos por la Carta). Un investigador calificado realiza una investigación independiente sobre las acusaciones y presenta un informe a la JRI. La JRI revisa las acusaciones, el informe del investigador y toda otra información disponible, y hace recomendaciones al arzobispo. Su recomendación ayuda a determinar el mejor curso de acción.
Este proceso se somete a una auditoría anual para comprobar su cumplimiento por parte de la empresa Stonebridge Business Partners, una empresa auditora profesional independiente. Cada tres años, la auditoría independiente se realiza en persona e incluye entrevistas personales con los integrantes de la JRI y con integrantes de la Oficina arquidiocesana de Protección del Niño y del Joven. La Arquidiócesis tiene un historial de auditorías sobresaliente.
Hoy, las ocurrencias de abuso dentro de la Iglesia Católica son raras. La Iglesia y la Arquidiócesis en particular han establecido el estándar para otras organizaciones, mostrando lo que se puede y se debe hacer para proteger a los niños. Hace unos años, la Arquidiócesis contrató a un consultor independiente para revisar sus archivos y elaborar un cuadro que describiera la historia del delito de abuso sexual de menores por parte del clero en la Arquidiócesis. Esa información se puede consultar aquí.
¿Qué puedo hacer, como feligrés, para contribuir a la creación de ambientes seguros?
Como feligrés, usted tiene una gran influencia. Los programas vigentes en las parroquias dependen en gran medida de laicos comprometidos que prestan atención, hacen preguntas y participan en la supervisión. Infórmate sobre las políticas de protección de menores de tu parroquia, que se describen aquí. Los feligreses más eficaces son aquellos que participan de forma informada y contribuyen a garantizar que los sistemas integrales de protección se utilicen tal y como está previsto.
A medida que avanzamos de buena fe en los detalles de un plan de reorganización consensuado al amparo del Capítulo 11, el Arzobispo Cordileone nos ha pedido que nos unamos a él en oración por todos los supervivientes de abusos sexuales, por nuestra Arquidiócesis, por las comunidades parroquiales, por las escuelas y por la erradicación de este vergonzoso delito de entre nosotros y de la sociedad en su conjunto.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Mediation Phase as of April 2025
What is a channeling injunction in a bankruptcy process?
A channeling injunction in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding is a court order that redirects or “channels” sexual abuse claims to a trust and prevents claimants from pursuing those claims against other parties, including a debtor, its settling insurers or other parties (such as parishes or high schools) contributing to the trust. The trust is funded by settlement proceeds with settling insurers, the debtor, and others who participate in the settlement and then receive a discharge (for the debtor) or a release of liability from known or unknown historical claims of sexual abuse.
This means that all existing claims and claims that may become known in the future related to historical abuse would be satisfied by the trust. This allows the debtor and other settling parties to move forward with essentially a “clean slate” and release from liability for the channeled claims.
Channeling injunctions can benefit debtors, plaintiffs, and non-debtor companies by helping debtors resolve numerous claims in a fair manner, and they can help plaintiffs recover quickly without lengthy litigation. A channeling inunction and releases would prevent pursuit of known or unknown historical sexual abuse claims other than against the trust, even if a statute of limitations was changed in the future.
Will parishioner donations to their parish be used to fund the bankruptcy litigation or settlement with abuse survivors?
No donor-restricted donations to parishes, schools, or the Archdiocese, nor donations to the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal, will be used toward a settlement. These funds are for parishes to continue their ministries and programs.
While parishes are not included in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by the Archdiocese, parishes can benefit from a channeling injunction, which would provide a release of liability from known or unknown historical sexual abuse claims historical claims. For this reason, parishes, schools and other entities need to contribute funds and assets not restricted for specific purposes toward the settlement to benefit from these legal safeguards.
3- April 15, 2025 - Bankruptcy Court approves motion to permit the public release of redacted Independent Review Board meeting minutes
The Archdiocese of San Francisco initiated a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case to address legacy abuse claims as a result of the reopening of the California statute of limitations under AB-218. Read Statement
2- April 15, 2025 - Bankruptcy Court approves motion to lift the automatic stay so that two alleged abuse cases could go to trial
The Archdiocese of San Francisco initiated a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case to address legacy abuse claims as a result of the reopening of the California statute of limitations under AB-218. Read Statement
1- September 13, 2024 - Statement by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone following in-Court Survivor Statement Hearings
This week, as part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, I attended two in-court listening sessions for survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated by priests and lay people exercising ministry in the Catholic Church. Read Statement
Chapter 11 Filing: August 21, 2023
Letter to the Faithful from Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone
Letter to the Faithful from Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone on the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy to facilitate settlements with abuse survivors
August 21, 2023
Dear Faithful of the Archdiocese of San Francisco:
A few weeks ago, I wrote to you about the impact of more than 500 civil lawsuits that have been filed against the Archdiocese under state law AB-218, which allowed individuals to bring claims for childhood sexual abuse that otherwise would have been barred due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Today, I am informing you that after much reflection, prayer, and consultation with our financial and legal advisors, the Archdiocese of San Francisco filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.
We believe the bankruptcy process is the best way to provide a compassionate and equitable solution for survivors of abuse while ensuring that we continue the vital ministries to the faithful and to the communities that rely on our services and charity.
The Archdiocese of San Francisco joins a growing list of dioceses in the United States and California that have filed for protection under the bankruptcy laws. Some of these dioceses have already restructured and emerged from this process.
To be clear, only the legal entity, The Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco, a Corporation Sole, is included in the Chapter 11 filing. Our parishes, schools, and other entities are not included in the filing. Our mission will continue as it always has. Parishes will serve the spiritual needs of the faithful, celebrating Mass, offering the Sacraments, and providing religious education. Schools will provide the best Catholic education for students, and our Chancery will continue to support parishes and schools, and its ministries will remain engaged in the community. Catholic Charities, Catholic cemeteries, and St. Patrick’s Seminary & University will continue their operations as usual. Chancery employees will work and receive their wages and benefits during this process and beyond.
I also want to reassure you that any contributions made to the parish offertory or to the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal will not be used to settle abuse claims. According to a very long-standing legal and moral principle, the intention of the donor must always be respected, and these funds, which you so generously donate, are collected for use by the stated ministries, which exclude legal settlements or related expenses. Without your continued support, the Archdiocese could not provide its critical services to those most in need. I am grateful for your generous gifts of time, talent, and financial resources.
It is important to know that the overwhelming majority of the alleged abuse occurred in the 1960s and 70s, and into the 80s, and involved priests who are deceased or no longer in ministry. A significant number of these claims include unnamed individuals or named individuals who are unknown to the Archdiocese.
To safeguard against abuse, our Archdiocese has maintained and improved awareness and education for children and adults. We use stringent processes to screen volunteers, employees, and priests. Today, while this continues to be a widespread societal problem, occurrences of abuse within the Catholic Church are very rare, and I believe the Church has set the standard for other organizations, showing what can and should be done to protect our children.
I remain committed to the healing and care of survivors who have suffered irreversible harm because of the sins of the Church’s ministers and ask you to join me in praying for our Archdiocese, parish communities, schools, and all survivors of sexual abuse.
Now more than ever, we need to take recourse to prayer. I invite you to commit yourselves, or recommit, to living the consecration of our Archdiocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which I celebrated on October 7, 2017.
While the great majority of these sins were committed many decades ago, it will be a sign of Christian solidarity for us to join together on a daily basis in praying the rosary, spending an hour each week in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, and fasting on Fridays for the survivors of abuse, for the mission of our Archdiocese, and for the eradication of this shameful crime from our society as a whole. God is pleased by such prayer and penance, and doing so will open our hearts to the blessings He wishes to lavish upon us.
May God shower you and your families with His grace during these difficult times.
Sincerely yours in our Lord,
Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone
Archbishop of San Francisco
Press Release: The Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy to Facilitate Settlements with Abuse Survivors
Parishes, Schools, Cemeteries, and Related Organizations and Ministries are Not Included in the Filing
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, August 21, 2023–The Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco (“RCASF”) announced today the filing of a voluntary petition for bankruptcy relief under chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The filing is necessary to manage and resolve the more than 500 lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse brought against RCASF under California Assembly Bill 218, which allowed decades-old claims to be filed by December 31, 2022, that otherwise were time barred.
Chapter 11 is a court-supervised process that allows each claim to be evaluated on its merits, provides transparency into the proceedings and into RCASF’s finances, and gives claimants a voice in the outcome. The Chapter 11 filing will halt all legal actions against RCASF while the Archdiocese develops a plan of reorganization that is based on assets and insurance coverage available to be used to settle claims with abuse survivors.
This is the second time California has allowed time-barred or expired cases of child sexual abuse to be filed by alleged survivors. In 2003, California created a similar window. Since that time, RCASF has paid more than $70 million to survivors in legal settlements by using insurance funds and selling excess property.
The 88 parishes within the Archdiocese are independently managed and self-financed and, along with their parochial schools, are not included in the filing. The Real Property Support Corporation, Capital Asset Support Corporation, high schools, Catholic cemeteries, St Patrick’s Seminary & University, and Catholic Charities associated with RCASF also are not included in the filing and will continue to operate as usual.
Employees of the Archdiocese will be paid as usual, and their benefit programs will continue uninterrupted. Vendors will be paid for all goods and services delivered after the filing.
RCASF will continue to serve the 442,000 Catholics in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin, and its priests and deacons will continue to carry out their missions and ministries within the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
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.
“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,” said The Most Reverend Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco. “It is the best way to bring much-needed resolution to survivors while allowing the Archdiocese to continue its sacred mission to the faithful and those in need. We must seek purification and redemption to heal, especially survivors who have carried the burdens of these sins against them for decades.”
The Archdiocese of San Francisco has been committed to providing available resources such as counseling and pastoral assistance to survivors of abuse and had established policies and protocols to protect children and address and report incidents of sexual abuse of minors even before the U.S. Bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002. The Archdiocese has taken exhaustive steps to satisfy the Charter by immediately removing from active ministry any person with an allegation of sexual childhood abuse, requiring criminal background checks for clergy, employees, and volunteers who work with youth, and implementing educational programs for both children and adults to prevent abuse.
The Archdiocese maintains an Independent Review Board (IRB) as an essential step in its internal procedures for handling allegations of sexual abuse. A qualified investigator conducts investigations into allegations and submits a report to the IRB, whose members include an abuse survivor, psychologist, two physicians, a retired police officer, among others. They judge whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant a canonical trial or if an accusation is manifestly unfounded. The recommendations made to the Archbishop are indispensable, as this independent and expert advice directs whether an accused priest should be out of public ministry while canonical procedures are pending or when, in justice, the Archbishop should remediate damage to the reputation of a priest who has been wrongly accused. A list of priests and deacons who are in good standing and have faculties to minister can be found on the Archdiocese website. Priests or deacons who are under investigation for alleged child sexual abuse are prohibited from exercising public ministry and are removed from the list and can only return to ministry or the list if the allegations are found not to be sustained.
The Archdiocese also established an Office of Child and Youth Protection to maintain the highest standards for its preventative Safe Environment Program and address allegations of past and current abuse by any clergy, employee, or volunteer, and has two Safe Environment Coordinators to monitor compliance with the Charter. A Victim Assistance Coordinator maintains a hotline for reporting abuse, provides counseling, and offers other support services. The Office is also responsible for coordinating the fingerprinting of employees, volunteers, and clerics who interact with children, as well as facilitating annual compliance audits conducted by independent auditors to review the implementation of policies and procedures for the protection of children.
“Today, occurrences of abuse within the Catholic Church are very rare,” said Archbishop Cordileone. “Given the educational and preventative measures now in place, I believe the Church has set the standard for other organizations, showing what can and should be done to protect our children.”
The Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco Chapter 11 case has been filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. Additional general information can be found on the Archdiocesan website.
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(VIDEO) Archbishop Cordileone on filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to facilitate settlements with survivors
Questions and Answers in response to lawsuits filed against the Archdiocese under AB-218 (August 21, 2023)
What is Chapter 11?
Chapter 11 is a legal mechanism for court-supervised reorganization or restructuring of an organization’s obligations. Chapter 11 provides a way for an organization to address its financial condition in order to remain a viable entity, while continuing day-to-day operations.
Does the Archdiocese of San Francisco have the financial wherewithal to litigate the more than 500 lawsuits filed under AB-218?
After consulting with its financial and legal advisors over the past several months, the Archdiocese determined that a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization is the best option for managing and resolving these cases. It will allow the Archdiocese to achieve two very important goals.
First, the Chapter 11 process brings all parties together to resolve difficult claims fairly and equitably under the supervision of the bankruptcy court. Cases will be dealt with collectively rather than one at a time. This will result in a faster resolution for survivors, providing them with fair compensation and closure. It eliminates a scenario where the first few cases that are resolved expend all available resources to pay claims, leaving nothing for survivors whose cases are resolved later.
Secondly, Chapter 11 allows the Archdiocese to submit a plan of reorganization to continue its vital ministries to the faithful and to the communities that rely on its services and charity.
Will any Chancery employees lose their jobs as a result of the bankruptcy?
The Chapter 11 filing should not have any direct effect on jobs in the Archdiocese. Employees of companies and non-profit organizations that file to restructure under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code continue to work and receive their wages and benefits during the process and beyond. As is the case in the past, employment decisions will continue to be based on needs, performance, and overall goals of archdiocesan ministries.
How much money will it take to settle the more than 500 lawsuits?
While we don’t know how much money will be needed as part of the Chapter 11 process, we believe we should be able to reach a fair and equitable outcome for all survivors and provide just compensation to the innocent people who were harmed, while allowing the Archdiocese to submit a plan of reorganization to continue its vital ministries to the faithful and to the communities that rely on our services and charity.
What happens to the more than 500 lawsuits that have been filed against the Archdiocese?
A Chapter 11 filing triggers a “stay” that essentially freezes all litigation against the Archdiocese. We will work with all survivors through the Chapter 11 process to finalize a fair and equitable settlement. The claims and settlement will be part of the Archdiocese’s Plan of Reorganization and must be approved by the Court before the Archdiocese can emerge from bankruptcy.
How many dioceses have filed for Chapter 11 in California?
Of the 12 dioceses or archdioceses in California, there are three dioceses currently in the Chapter 11 process, including the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Santa Rosa filed its case on March 13, 2023, and on May 8, 2023, The Roman Catholic Bishop of Oakland filed its chapter 11 case. The Diocese of Stockton filed on January 15, 2014, and completed its process in February 2017.
Is bankruptcy a way to keep these more than 500 lawsuits out of the spotlight and secret?
Absolutely not. Chapter 11 is a very transparent process with information available to anyone. All of the court filings are available online at Omni Agent Solutions free of charge.
Why are there so many claims against the Archdiocese now?
Through AB-218, the State of California for a second time removed the statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims for non-profit organizations, opening a new three-year window allowing cases to be filed against the Archdiocese through December 31, 2022. This resulted in more than 500 civil lawsuits being filed against the Archdiocese. It is important to know that the overwhelming majority of the alleged abuse occurred in the 1960s and 70s, and into the 80s, and involved priests and laypeople who are deceased or no longer in ministry.
How long would the Archdiocese be in bankruptcy?
Given the seriousness and complexity of the situation, it is unclear how long the process will take. Other dioceses that have gone through this process have taken between one and three years. The Archdiocese will work to emerge from Chapter 11 as quickly as possible.
Will any contributions to the parish offertory or the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal be used to settle sexual abuse lawsuits in a bankruptcy?
No. All financial gifts made to the Archdiocese, whether to your parish or the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal (AAA), are held in trust and can only be used for their intended purpose. According to a very long-standing legal and moral principle, the intention of the donor must always be respected. The parish offertory is to be used for the benefit of the parish, and the AAA is to be used for its specific ministries, which exclude legal settlements and related expenses. Without your continued support, the Archdiocese could not provide its critical services to those most in need. We are grateful for your generous gifts of time, talent, and financial resources.
What does the Chapter 11 filing mean for the schools, parishes and other ministries of the Archdiocese?
Only The Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco, a Corporation Sole, is included in the filing. Parishes, schools, and other associated ministries are not included. The operations of parishes and schools will continue as usual without disruption, as will the activities of the Archdiocese. Other ministries, such as St. Patrick’s Seminary & University, Catholic Charities, and our cemeteries will also continue their operations without disruption.
Is bankruptcy a way to minimize your financial responsibilities to abuse survivors?
No. We believe Chapter 11 is the most viable option for compensating survivors fairly and equitably. Otherwise, parties who filed first and were able to resolve their litigation could have an unfair advantage over claimants who have their cases heard later.
Chapter 11 allows all claimants equal access and an equitable share in the assets available to pay claims. It is a court-supervised, transparent process that allows for the evaluation of the merits of each claim and gives claimants a say in the outcome and visibility into the proceedings and Archdiocesan finances. This action will allow the Archdiocese to address these matters in a comprehensive manner, move forward with its essential services and mission, and provide survivors with a faster, more equitable resolution.
Have other dioceses that have filed for Chapter 11 continued normal operations and emerged from Chapter 11?
Yes. More than two dozen U.S. dioceses have filed for Chapter 11, including most recently the Diocese of Oakland in California and the Diocese of Ogdensburg in New York. For those 18 or so dioceses that have resolved their bankruptcies, all have been able to successfully emerge and continue their ministries and support their communities.
Why was a bankruptcy filing necessary?
We believe the bankruptcy process is the best way to provide a compassionate and equitable solution for survivors of abuse while ensuring that we continue the vital ministries to the faithful and to the communities that rely on our services and charity.
Is there a chance the Archdiocese would close any Catholic schools or parishes as a result of the Chapter 11 filing?
Our Chapter 11 filing does not include the schools and parishes and therefore does not have an impact on operational decisions for schools and parishes. Those decisions would continue to be made based on sound mission and business judgements.
Protecting Children
Background on sexual abuse by clergy in the United States and the response
Issue of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Clergy in the United States and the Response
In early 2002 the Boston Globe’s series on the priest sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Boston served as a clarion call to the Catholic dioceses throughout the United States. While the Catholic hierarchy had come to recognize that sexual abuse of minors was a grave societal problem from which the Church itself was not immune, the public scandal in 2002 of this problem existing in the Catholic Church and with many clergy-offenders produced widespread outrage. The general public as well as faithful Catholic parishioners everywhere demanded answers.
The Catholic bishops in the United States were faced with the realization that collectively more serious attention needed to be paid to this problem. In June 2002, the bishops met in Dallas and issued “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” (the “Dallas Charter”), which presented a comprehensive set of procedures to be followed when dealing with the issue of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. At this same time, the Catholic Church in the United States took the unprecedented step of hiring a reputable third-party in the John Jay College of Criminal Justice to objectively study the issue of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy in the United States. John Jay College of Criminal Justice was engaged to complete two studies. The first addressed the “nature and scope” of the problem of sexual abuse of minors in the United States by Catholic clergy (1950-2002). This study aimed to understand the problem itself. The second of these studies attempted to understand why this problem came to exist in the Catholic Church. This study examined the “causes and context” of sexual abuse of minors (1950-2010). While dioceses were strongly encouraged to participate in this research, diocesan submissions did vary. In addition, the John Jay researchers did very little to determine the credibility of individual allegations against clergy. Nevertheless, these reports are instructive.
While the sexual abuse of minors is a reprehensible act whenever it occurs, the John Jay studies reported that, when this offense is committed by Catholic clergy, its harms are more than physical and emotional; they are spiritual as well. Victim-survivors experience this abuse as being perpetrated by God or at least His human instrument on earth. Not surprising, the faith of these victim-survivors is often grievously disturbed.
Accusations
The John Jay studies, as they came to be known, found that, between 1950-2002, 4% of Catholic clergy in the United States had allegations of sexual abuse. The greatest number of these incidents took place in the 1970s, peaking around 1980, and then steadily declining. While this trend is similar in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, a statistical analysis that considered the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s personnel files from 1950-2019 showed that the percentage of accused priests was much lower than the national average at 2.3%.
The John Jay report acknowledged that sexual abuse of minors historically has been one of the lowest reported crimes. For this reason, the problem remained undetected and unstudied for decades. The above referenced archdiocesan statistical analysis confirms this delay in reporting as the majority of accusations against archdiocesan clergy (61%) were made after 2002.
Diocesan Responses
In examining how dioceses responded to allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy, the John Jay report found that these responses were generally shaped by the timing of the allegation. That is to say, generally as the understanding of the issue of child sexual abuse changed so did the responses of dioceses.
- Prior to 1985, the common assumption of bishops was that clergy sexual misbehavior was both a moral and psychological problem that could be treated, and the offenders could be rehabilitated.
- In the late 1980s, after a very public indictment of a Catholic priest-abuser, the United States bishops began having regular formal discussions about this issue in hopes of promoting a direct and responsible course of intervention when Catholic clergy were accused of sexual abuse.
- The Archdiocese of San Francisco began conducting workshops for clergy, school employees, other agency leaders, and even parents. Presenters included members of law enforcement, social services agencies, and other professionals who instructed about how to recognize and report suspicions of child abuse.
- Around 1988, experts began to acknowledge that there was little convincing evidence that psychological cognitive behavioral treatment methods were effective at rehabilitation. Shortly thereafter, bishops themselves were coming to these same conclusions as new abuse allegations surfaced against certain previous offenders.
- Significantly, 94% of the allegations of clergy sexual abuse of minors between 1950-2010 had already occurred by 1990.
- In the 1990s, Church leaders were in need of expert advice. The question remained: Should an accused priest be allowed back in ministry and, if so, under what circumstances? In response, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (the predecessor to the USCCB) sought the advice and professional guidance from leading experts.
- In 1992, the NCCB issued the Policy on Priests and Sexual Abuse of Children. This policy contained what came to be known as “The Five Principles”:
- Investigate immediately
- Remove priest whenever the evidence warrants
- Follow the reporting obligations of civil law
- Extend pastoral care to victim and victim’s family
- Seek appropriate treatment for the offender
These “Five Principles” were formally adopted at the bishops’ November meeting in 1992. Yet, by then, the Archdiocese of San Francisco had already adopted these principles in its own “Child Abuse Policy and Procedures” two months prior (September 1992). These policies and procedures applied to all adults and even called for a screening process and continued training around the issue of child abuse.
“Dallas Charter”
- With the 2002 “Dallas Charter”, there were additional guidelines issued and the archdiocesan policies were revised accordingly.
- Currently in the archdiocese, all employees (including clergy) and volunteers who interact with minors and vulnerable adults are background-screened and fingerprinted. In addition, they are required to participate in regular training in recognizing safe practices and the signs of abuse, through the Virtus program.
- Children in Faith Formation programs and schools also receive annual grade-level training in recognizing inappropriate behavior, and what to do if they see or experience it.
- As required by the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children, the archdiocese is audited for compliance annually, with an onsite review every three years, and it has successfully passed its audits every year.
- In addition to these preventive measures, the archdiocese Victim’s Assistance Office maintains a Hotline and offers various services to assist victims.
- These comprehensive measures serve as a serious approach toward preventing future incidents in the archdiocese. Visit the Protecting Children webpage here: https://sfarch.org/protecting-children/
Throughout the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, the Archdiocese of San Francisco has remained focused on its shared mission: Facilitating and cultivating an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ and His Church through works of charity, preaching the Gospel, and standing up for human dignity. In collaboration with parishes, we continue to serve the spiritual needs of the faithful, celebrate Mass, offer the sacraments, and provide religious education. The archdiocese continues its important work of assisting schools in providing the best Catholic education for students, and archdiocesan ministries continue their outstanding services to the community.
Human Life & Dignity
Every child is a precious gift, and every mother deserves to be supported. In the Gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel told Mary the good news that a child would be born and that she was to be the mother of our Savior. When she asked, “How can this be?” the angel told her not to be afraid for “nothing is impossible with God.” The Gabriel Project of the Archdiocese of San Francisco offers the same comforting message by walking alongside women facing difficult or unexpected pregnancies offering hope, friendship, and practical help
Hope and Healing after Abortion
Project Rachel is a confidential archdiocesan outreach ministry that helps both women and men find hope and healing after abortion by offering a compassionate, faith-filled bridge back to peace through retreats, pastoral care, and a judgement-free space to heal.
Restorative Justice Ministry
Restorative Justice is an outreach to crime victims and their families, offenders and their families, and the incarcerated. The family of one young man murdered in San Francisco said that it was difficult to imagine life without the Restorative Justice ministry–its support groups and counseling they received–as there were so many times when they found it challenging to go on. The support of this ministry through prayer and presence has been invaluable.
Divorce Ministry
Life-Giving Wounds is a retreat ministry for adults whose parents divorced when these adults were children, and now, decades later, these adults are still feeling the effects of their parents’ divorce. A participant at one of the retreats said, “I have always felt alone in my suffering. The main grace of this retreat was realizing I wasn’t the only one who experienced these feelings.” Another commented, “This is probably the best thing the Church has ever done for me and my siblings.” And “…my parents’ divorce was so traumatic that I didn’t even know if I believed in love.”
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Some 250 young men and women attended the most recent Youth Conference at St. Matthew parish in San Mateo. One young man said, “What a fantastic day – the people, the activities. It was great.” The mother of a young lady who attended said, “This is beautiful. It is wonderful for my daughter to be with so many young people who are so excited by our faith.”
Hospital Chaplaincy
A patient at a local hospital was suffering from a serious illness that caused depression, anger, and even some verbal abuse toward hospital staff. The patient asked to see a priest. On the way in to see the patient, the priest was stopped by the caregivers. They asked the priest to pray for their patience and calmness. The visit helped heal the patient spiritually and emotionally, and it strengthened the patient’s relationship with the caregivers.
Immigration
The archdiocese has built trusted relationships with immigrant families and community partners offering tangible support where it is most needed in San Mateo, San Francisco and Marin counties. Through collaboration with Catholic Charities’ Center for Immigration Legal & Support Services and the University of San Francisco Law Immigration and Deportation Defense Clinic, the archdiocese and its partner organizations have conducted listening sessions to counter misinformation and assist more than 1,000 families with individualized case assistance, legal consultations, and Know Your Rights presentations. These efforts have helped individuals better understand their legal rights, their current legal status, and how best to navigate applications for citizenship or asylum. In addition to workshops at parishes, the archdiocesan immigration ministry hosted Know Your Rights workshops for homeless individuals at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul homeless shelters in San Francisco.
Homelessness and Housing
While the devastating crisis of homelessness compounds instability and poverty, Catholic Charities is a beacon of hope by providing shelter and safety for homeless and near-homeless families and individuals struggling to survive
Aging Support Services
Catholic Charities helps seniors maintain their independence and dignity while making valuable connections through companionship and friendship. Their innovative programs promote economical alternative solutions to residential facilities or in-home care while also providing respite to caregivers.
Archdiocesan parishes impacting lives
Our parishes impact lives in countless ways through vibrant, innovative outreach ministries. For example, St Dominic parish partners with the San Francisco/Marin Food Bank to transform its parish hall into a food pantry that serves 150 people every Monday. “Over the years, we have worked on becoming a welcoming place for those who come,” said one volunteer. “We get to know a bit about them, rejoice at their successes and cry with them at their losses.”
In 2011, longtime St. Thomas More parishioner Joe Espinueva learned about the significant decline in Catholic weddings in the preceding 20 years. He asked, “What can we do to help?” This simple question represented the beginning of “Operation I Do,” which was launched at the parish with a Mass and wedding celebration on the feast day of St. Thomas More, June 22. Since that time, the following 15 years has seen the ministry blossom into a vibrant marriage preparation program where volunteers and clergy accompany engaged couples in their sacramental journeys.
