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.

By Doug Kennedy

The question we get the most from Survivors who find themselves pulled into a bankruptcy is either “How long is this going to take?” or after a while, “When will this be over?”  For many Survivors, after decades of dealing with the impact of their abuse, these are understandable questions because bankruptcy often represents the first time their abuse has been recognized by others and some degree of resolution is a possibility.  I remember well asking the same questions.  I had just been appointed to the “Official Committee of Survivors” in an organization’s bankruptcy and turned to the Survivor next to me to ask how long he thought things would take.  His answer was “I’m guessing two years.  There’s a lot to be settled.”  I remember thinking “Two years?  Let’s all get in a room, negotiate, and get this done.”  We were both wrong!  It took five years, and appeals are now dragging it out longer.  So, while no one can accurately predict how long a bankruptcy will take, it’s important for Survivors to understand what’s involved so their expectations can be realistic.

Bankruptcy is initiated by a Diocese voluntarily to “reorganize” its debts, pay those it owes what it can, and then continue to operate under the terms of a bankruptcy plan approved by the Court.  To do that, bankruptcy must include complex agreements with creditors (including Survivors) and often many insurance companies that issued policies to the Diocese.  This involves the discovery process and often multiple mediation sessions spanning a great deal of time.  Unfortunately, mediation follows strict confidentiality rules that prevent the parties from sharing very much information.  So, it can often seem like nothing is happening when in fact a great deal of negotiation is taking place.  It’s important to know though that the Official Committee of Survivors is engaged in all facets and along with its legal professionals is working hard to resolve the bankruptcy.  Unfortunately, because of the complexity involved it just takes a lot of time.

Perhaps the best expectation of how long a Diocese bankruptcy might take comes from looking at other cases.  Since 2004 there have been 36 Diocese bankruptcies either settled or ongoing.  The average length of time that they lasted, or continue to be ongoing is between three and five years (our numbers include 21 cases that are ongoing so that average number of months may actually increase when they are settled). 

As my own bankruptcy went on, there were moments of hope that a resolution was near, and many more moments when I realized that it wasn’t.  It was hard not to be disappointed and wonder if it would ever end, and when it did, if the result would be worth the wait.  Being a Survivor is a very long and often very bumpy road.  It’s important that your expectations for this phase of the journey are realistic.  So, I hope this message helps your thinking.  I got tired of telling my family “I don’t know what’s going to happen.” 

There were many days when the most positive thing I could think was “Well, another day, but one more day closer to this being over.”  Please take care of your mental health so you can weather those periods when resolution seems far off or unknown, keep in contact with your attorney, check your Official Committee’s website, and remember that your Official Committee and its legal professionals are laser-focused on all that needs to be accomplished to bring an end to the bankruptcy.  If you have a question at any time regarding the bankruptcy process just email santarosasurvivorteam@stinson.com.  Every Survivor’s message is important and will receive a reply.  Stay strong.

On February 6, 2025, eight Survivors presented impact statements at a hearing before the Bankruptcy Court. Bishop Robert F. Vasa and other Diocese representatives were also present to hear the impact statements. The Committee is grateful to the brave Survivors who shared the truth about their abuse and its effect on their lives. The Committee is also hopeful that the impact statements will increase understanding regarding the tremendous pain and challenges Survivors endured and continue to endure as a result of their difficult experiences. At this time, no additional hearings for the presentation of impact statements have been scheduled or approved by the Court, but additional hearings may be possible if more Survivors express an interest in presenting a statement.

On February 6, 2025, at 1 pm Pacific Standard Time, a group of Survivors will present impact statements during a two-hour session to the Bankruptcy Court. The purpose of the presentation is to increase engagement of Survivors and increase understanding of their stories in the bankruptcy case. The Committee believes that the presentation of Survivors’ stories in the bankruptcy court is a powerful way to provide all parties involved the opportunity to hear and have a greater understanding of the devastating trauma survivors have endured, and the Committee hopes that it may bring some healing to survivors.