The filing will temporarily halt legal actions, allowing the archdiocese to develop a settlement plan with survivors.
The majority of the allegations are from incidents occurring 30 or more years ago. Critics argue that the filing is merely a tactic to prevent the release of sensitive information. The San Francisco Archdiocese has become the third Bay Area diocese to declare bankruptcy and it remains the only one in California that has yet to disclose a list of clergy members who have been credibly accused.
The names of priests and deacons in good standing are available on the Archdiocese’s website. Those under investigation for alleged child sexual abuse are removed from the list and prohibited from public ministry.
