The deadline to filed proofs of claim was October 1, 2024. The next step in the case is mediation (settlement negotiations) between the Committee, the Diocese, and Insurers once the court refers the parties to mediation. This page will be updated when mediation is set to begin.
Employment of Stinson LLP as the Committee’s Counsel
On May 11, 2024, the Bankruptcy Court granted the Committee’s application to employ Stinson LLP (“Stinson”) as its counsel in the bankruptcy case. The Court authorized Stinson to, among other things, represent the Committee at hearings, advise the Committee, investigate the conduct and assets of the Debtor, aid in the Committee’s participation in formulating a plan, and negotiate issues relating to the value and payment of claims held by the Committee’s constituency.
Case Filing Information
The Roman Catholic Bishop of Sacramento (also referred to as the “RCBS,” the “Diocese of Sacramento” or simply the “Diocese“) filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 1, 2024. In its initial case filings, the Diocese explained that:
“The RCBS enters chapter 11 as a further step toward fulfilling its moral obligation to try to compensate all Abuse survivors fairly and within a reasonable amount of time. … The RCBS intends to negotiate a plan of reorganization as early as possible which will: (a) allocate fair compensation among the legitimately competing interests for [RCBS’s assets]; (b) provide a process to fully, fairly and expeditiously resolve claims of Abuse survivors; and (c) permit the RCBS to carry on the RCBS’s essential ministries and services so the RCBS can continue to meet the needs of the Non-Debtor Catholic Entities, parishioners, and others who rely on the RCBS’s ministry, education, and charitable outreach.”
The Diocese estimated that at the time it filed for bankruptcy it had less than 1,000 creditors. Its total assets had an estimated value between $100 million and $500 million, and its total liabilities also had an estimated value of $100 million to $500 million.
Message from the Survivors’ Committee
Dear Survivors, those supporting Survivors, and others interested in the Roman Catholic Bishop of Sacramento bankruptcy case:
On behalf of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Survivors’ Committee”), welcome to the Sacramento Survivors’ webpage. We, the Survivors Committee, were appointed by the US Trustee’s Office to advocate on behalf of all Survivors of abuse within the Diocese of Sacramento. The Survivors Committee is made up of nine Survivors of abuse related to this Diocese, which represent a diversity of ages and genders. As Survivors ourselves, we understand the pain and trauma that other Survivors may be experiencing during this bankruptcy case. We understand that each Survivors’ journey is unique, and we empathize with each one of you as we navigate and process the trauma we have all experienced. Whether you are just beginning that journey or have been on it for many years, we are with you. We have designed this website to help with the questions you may have about the bankruptcy case.
This website provides the following information regarding the bankruptcy case of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Sacramento:
- Overview of the bankruptcy process
- Diocesan Bankruptcy frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- News feed detailing case events and the Survivors’ Committee’s activities
- Mental health resources for Survivors
The website will be regularly updated over the course of the case. The Survivors’ Committee hopes Survivors find this information useful, and encourage any Survivors with questions to contact their personal attorneys or the Survivors’ Committee’s bankruptcy counsel, Stinson LLP. To contact Stinson LLP, you may email sacramentosurvivorteam@stinson.com.