As Chair of the Official Committee of Survivors in the Diocese of Santa Rosa bankruptcy, I want to speak directly to Survivors with claims in this case.

I know this process has been long, painful, and exhausting. For many Survivors, it means being asked to think again about things no one should ever have had to experience. I also know that, for many of you, the waiting itself can be difficult. Every member of the Committee understands that. We carry that with us in the work we do.

The question we hear most often is: “When will this be over?” I wish I could answer that with a date. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict the timing with certainty. Historically, diocesan bankruptcies have often taken close to four years to complete. We are now a little over three years into this case. What I can tell you is that the Official Committee remains actively engaged in every aspect of the bankruptcy and continues to advocate for Survivors at every opportunity.

Like you, I hope we are moving closer to the end of this process. I wish I could say more about timing, but I cannot. Our legal professionals at Stinson LLP continue to guide and advise the Committee. They have represented committees in 10 diocesan bankruptcy cases that have reached settlement. We also have professionals advising the Committee as we evaluate the Diocese’s finances, property holdings, and other issues that affect the outcome of this case.

At this time, we are actively participating in mediation. Mediation allows the parties in the bankruptcy, including the Diocese and its insurers, to communicate with the assistance of an experienced mediator as demands, offers, and differences are addressed. Mediation is governed by strict confidentiality rules, which means participants cannot share developments publicly unless and until the parties agree that information may be disclosed. I know that can be frustrating. Please know, however, that the Official Committee of Survivors is present, engaged, and making its positions known.

As soon as we are able to share updates, we will post them at santarosasurvivors.com. You may also contact the Committee at any time by emailing santarosasurvivorteam@stinson.com. All messages are treated confidentially and will receive a reply. That email address is appropriate for general questions about the bankruptcy process or comments for the Committee. If you are represented by an attorney and have questions about your individual claim, you should communicate directly with your attorney.

I also want to say how proud I am of the hard work, care, and dedication of every Committee member. This work matters deeply to each of us. We are working not only to seek the fairest possible resolution for Survivors, but also to pursue meaningful youth protection measures designed to help keep children safe in the future.

These negotiations are complicated, and the legal process is complex. But the Committee has shown strength, unity, and determination in meeting the challenges before us. We will continue doing the work necessary to reach a resolution, and we will continue advocating for Survivors with everything we have. Thank you for the honor of advocating for you. Your patience and support are deeply appreciated. We will continue to post updates whenever we are able to do so.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco has announced a tentative agreement with the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case that would provide a $395 million settlement, along with several non-monetary commitments focused on youth protection. If approved by a survivor vote and the bankruptcy court, the settlement would establish a trust to compensate survivors through an efficient and equitable claims process.

This is a very significant development. It reflects an agreement to provide substantial compensation to survivors of abuse by priests, church employees, and volunteers, while also including meaningful measures intended to strengthen youth protection going forward.

At the same time, it is important to remember that every diocesan bankruptcy case is different. Settlement outcomes depend on many factors, including the financial circumstances of the particular diocese and the contributions available from other parties. For that reason, survivors should not assume that the San Francisco settlement predicts the outcome of the Santa Rosa bankruptcy case or the value of individual claims here.

Even so, the Official Committee in the Santa Rosa Diocese bankruptcy case is encouraged by this development and continues to work very hard toward the best possible financial recovery for survivors in Santa Rosa, along with meaningful changes to youth protection in the Diocese of Santa Rosa moving forward.

If you are a survivor with a claim in this bankruptcy case and have questions about your individual claim, you should contact your attorney if you are represented. If you have general questions about the bankruptcy process or would like to share comments with the Official Committee, please email santarosasurvivorteam@stinson.com.  All communications are treated confidentially, and we will respond to every message.