Diocese of Fresno filing for bankruptcy amid claims of sexual abuse by clergy members

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Amid claims of sexual abuse, the Diocese of Fresno is officially filing for bankruptcy on Tuesday,

Bishop Joseph Brennan signed a form claiming the diocese needs to restructure, as it fends off more than 100 claims of wrongdoing, some represented by Rick Simons.

"They're not in poor financial health," said Simons.

Court documents reveal the diocese's assets are between $50 million and $100 million.

Several of the diocese's top 20 creditors, those with the largest unsecured claims, appear to be survivors with active suits against the Diocese.

Those liabilities appear to be equal to the church's assets.

"What they're trying to do is protect their assets from the just debt that they incurred," Simons said.

The official bankruptcy filing is long-awaited, first announced in May 2024.

Simons believes the 13-month delay was a tactic as more than a dozen cases headed for trial.

"All that stopped. The mediation stopped. The trial stopped," said Simons.

"The discovery process, including the ability to take depositions of not just the Bishop, but of the hierarchy, the people who were in charge, you know, 20, 30, 40 years ago."

Diocese officials declined our request for an interview on Tuesday.

The Bishop chose to speak out in a video posted online.

"I'm convinced that this path is the only path that will allow us to handle claims of sexual abuse with compassion that is fair and equitable, while simultaneously ensuring the continuation of ministry within our diocese," explained Bishop Brennan in the video.

The form signed by Bishop Brennan indicates some funds will go to unsecured creditors, like those with pending lawsuits.

"A lot of people lose their rights because of this, and they lose it either for very minimal compensation because that's what the diocese is trying to do, save money," said Simons.

The bankruptcy will bar the victims from seeking more, essentially protecting the diocese.

"It allows them to wipe their hands. They'll never be clean," said Simons.

The diocese has launched a page that provides information on the bankruptcy and statements.

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