Catholic Diocese of Oakland files for bankruptcy following more than 300 lawsuits claiming sexual abuse

The Catholic Diocese of Oakland filed for bankruptcy protection Monday after it received more than 330 legal claims of sexual abuse, Bishop Michael C. Barber announced in a letter to the parish community.

The lawsuits were filed after California suspended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse between January 2020 and December 2022, opening a three-year window where victims had until age 40 or five years from the time their abuse was discovered to file civil actions against their alleged abusers.

"We made the filing because we believe this process is the best way to support a compassionate and equitable outcome for survivors of abuse, while ensuring we continue to provide the essential services and support so crucial to our parishioners and communities," Barber said in the letter.

Barber wrote "a great majority" of the alleged abuse in the 330 lawsuits took place between 1960 and 1989 but they are still being notified about claims.

Since that period of time, the diocese "has put in place robust safeguards to protect children and vulnerable adults" including background checks and training on looking out for child sexual abuse, he added.

"We know the pain inflicted against our children and young people decades ago continues to cause great suffering. I am deeply sorrowful about this reality and pray daily for all impacted," Barber said.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests said in a statement that the diocese's bankruptcy filing "is an attempt to deny justice and transparency" and it is trying to hold onto "money and secrets."