Overview

• On July 1, the Diocese of Fresno filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to address more than 150 clergy sexual abuse lawsuits.
• Bishop Joseph V. Brennan said reorganization will ensure equitable treatment of survivors’ claims and allow diocese ministries to continue.
• The diocese acknowledged its assets and insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all claims, raising the risk of insolvency.
• Survivors’ attorneys filed motions accusing the diocese of delaying bankruptcy proceedings since May 2024 to halt jury trials and discovery.
• A hearing before Judge René Lastreto II is scheduled for early July in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Fresno to review the reorganization plan and compensation proposals.