Oakland Diocese Files For Bankruptcy Over Abuse Suits

San Francisco’s ABC affiliate reports:

The Diocese of Oakland has announced it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in light of over 330 lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse. In a press release, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Oakland says that the lawsuits have come after a new California statute allows claims that have expired to be filed.

RCBO says that most of the claims are from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s by priests who have either died or are no longer active. Sherry Waterworth is a survivor, who is skeptical about receiving any compensation from the Diocese, post chapter 11.

“Time will tell if it’s truly for the survivors or not. It sounds like the diocese knew a lot and was not forthcoming when I was a child in the ’70s, I hope that will change and they’ll come to the table and be honest,” said Waterworth.

Read the full article. In March 2023, the nearby Diocese of Santa Rosa filed for bankruptcy for the same reason.