Diocese Declares Bankruptcy Amid 100+ Abuse Suits

Fresno’s ABC affiliate reports:

Amid claims of sexual abuse, the Diocese of Fresno is officially filing for bankruptcy. Bishop Joseph Brennan signed a form claiming the diocese needs to restructure, as it fends off more than 100 claims of wrongdoing, some represented by Rick Simons. “They’re not in poor financial health,” said Simons. Court documents reveal the diocese’s assets are between $50 million and $100 million.

Several of the diocese’s top 20 creditors, those with the largest unsecured claims, appear to be survivors with active suits against the Diocese. Those liabilities appear to be equal to the church’s assets. “What they’re trying to do is protect their assets from the just debt that they incurred,” Simons said. The official bankruptcy filing is long-awaited, first announced in May 2024. Simons believes the 13-month delay was a tactic as more than a dozen cases headed for trial.

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