SAN DIEGO (CA)
KUSI-TV, Ch. 51 [San Diego CA]
June 17, 2024
By Delaney White
Advocates for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) gathered on the sidewalk outside the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in downtown San Diego to protest the Catholic Diocese of San Diego’s decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
“By speaking out we have the voice that was taken away from us when we were kids,” said Joelle Casteix, survivor & advocate.
“Today’s a sad day. To be out in front of this courthouse is a sad day for all of the victims in San Diego,” said Paul Livingston, San Diego SNAP Director.
The Diocese says they are trying to be transparent.
“We have a moral obligation and we’re going to fulfill it. One of the reasons we’re going to not just fulfill it, but let people watch us fulfill it, is the transparent process of bankruptcy,” said Kevin Ecker, San Diego Diocese spokesperson.
But survivors see it differently.
“This is Bishop McElroy’s attempt to keep his money and power as centralized as possible and make sure that the survivors never get to seek justice,” said Casteix.
Abuse survivors expressed their frustration that by filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy this case will not go to civil court or expose predators by putting them on trial.
“I thought that the judge had just stopped the church from trying to hide it, shovel everything under the rug, and here they are doing it again,” said Livingston.
Advocates say they’d like to see more transparency.
“The number one thing that the Catholic Church can do to protect kids and help survivors is to hold themselves accountable,” said Casteix.
The Diocese of San Diego is the fifth diocese to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in California following the close of the Child Victims Act on December 31, 2022.
The attorney representing the Diocese told FOX 5/KUSI the chapter 11 bankruptcy petition has been filed. The Diocese of Fresno is expected to file for bankruptcy in the coming months.
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