California Catholic Diocese Declares Bankruptcy Due to Sex Abuse Lawsuits.

The Catholic Diocese of Oakland has filed for bankruptcy amid 330 sex abuse lawsuits, most of which center on crimes that occurred in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s by priests who are no longer active in ministry or are deceased. The bankruptcy will allow the diocese to stabilize its finances and continue its mission. Catholic schools and vendors will not be impacted. The filing comes as attendance for Catholic mass dropped 42% in 2021 and as the church deals with an aging clergy. The Survivors Network criticized the move, calling the diocese a "morally bankrupt" organization that doesn't deserve to be declared financially bankrupt.