San Francisco archdiocese files for bankruptcy amid child abuse lawsuits
San Francisco Catholic Archdiocese files for Chapter 11 over sex abuse lawsuits The Washington Post
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The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Introduction
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday, citing the need to address over 500 lawsuits related to child sexual abuse that date back decades. This decision has been criticized by victim advocates who argue that it is an attempt to deny justice and transparency for survivors.
Background
The petition was filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone stated that filing for bankruptcy is the best solution to provide fair compensation to the survivors who have been harmed. He emphasized the importance of resolving these claims while allowing the Archdiocese to continue its mission to serve the faithful and those in need.
Financial Constraints and Resolution
Archbishop Cordileone acknowledged that the archdiocese lacks the financial means and practical ability to litigate each abuse claim individually. Filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy is seen as the most effective way to bring resolution to survivors while ensuring the continuation of the Archdiocese’s sacred mission.
Criticism and Response
Advocates, including attorney Jeff Anderson, have criticized the archbishop’s decision, arguing that it could hinder survivors from receiving proper justice under the lawsuits filed under the California Child Victims Act. Anderson accused the archbishop of prioritizing secrecy and self-protection. The archdiocese has not yet responded to these accusations.
Concerns and Impact
Dan McNevin from the nonprofit Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests warned against the harmful consequences of the bankruptcy filing. He expressed concerns that it would impede trials, testimony, legal discovery, and the release of files that could help assess who within the organization aided in covering up crimes.
California’s Laws and Previous Bankruptcy Filings
The surge in lawsuits against the San Francisco Archdiocese came after California passed a law in 2019 allowing claims for childhood sexual abuse that would have otherwise been barred by the statute of limitations. This led to over 500 civil lawsuits against the archdiocese and more than 3,000 lawsuits against the Catholic Church in the state. California was the first state to temporarily lift statutes of limitations for childhood sex abuse in 2003, following the Catholic Church scandal.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Process
If approved, the Chapter 11 process would freeze legal actions against the archdiocese while it restructures its finances. It is important to note that only the corporate legal entity, the Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco, would be covered by the bankruptcy, while its 88 parishes and schools, which are independently managed, will continue to operate as usual.
Similar Bankruptcy Filings
The San Francisco Archdiocese’s decision follows that of the Santa Rosa Diocese and the Oakland Diocese, which both filed for bankruptcy amid sex-abuse lawsuits. Over two dozen dioceses in the United States have entered bankruptcy proceedings in the past decade.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to resolve lawsuits of child sexual abuse. This issue is connected to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
- Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
The article highlights the need for fair and equitable compensation to survivors of child sexual abuse. By filing for bankruptcy, the archdiocese aims to resolve these cases and provide compensation to the survivors, addressing Target 16.3. Additionally, the bankruptcy filing is seen as a way for the archdiocese to bring resolution to survivors while continuing its mission, indicating efforts towards Target 16.6.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of lawsuits resolved or compensated through the bankruptcy process.
- Level of transparency and accountability in the archdiocese’s handling of abuse cases.
The article mentions more than 500 lawsuits of child sexual abuse being resolved through the bankruptcy process. This indicates progress towards Target 16.3, as the resolution of these cases ensures equal access to justice for the survivors. The level of transparency and accountability in the archdiocese’s handling of abuse cases can also be considered an indicator for progress towards Target 16.6.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | – Number of lawsuits resolved or compensated through the bankruptcy process. – Level of transparency and accountability in the archdiocese’s handling of abuse cases. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels. | – Number of lawsuits resolved or compensated through the bankruptcy process. – Level of transparency and accountability in the archdiocese’s handling of abuse cases. |
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Source: washingtonpost.com
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