RESPONSE TO ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF SAN DIEGO'S BANKRUPTCY

Bishop Robert Brom has made good on his threat to file for Chapter 11 reorganization asset protection with the United States Bankruptcy Court. While we are not surprised, we are disappointed that Bishop Brom did not listen to the advice and request of Superior Court Judge Anthony Mohr who has worked hard to help victims and the Diocese resolve their differences and come to a true reconciliation. On Monday, February 26, 2007 at approximately 3:00 p.m., after days of negotiations, and a fairly narrow difference between the parties in coming to terms, he ordered Bishop Brom, the victims and their lawyers to come to his courtroom this Friday, March 2, 2007 to meet with each other and with him. He indicated that he would devote the entire day to helping everyone come to terms, and felt that if everyone was there a resolution could be achieved. He asked Michael Webb, attorney for Bishop Brom, to not file a bankruptcy until Monday and give Friday a chance. Arrangements were made to continue the trial set for Wednesday, February 28, 2007.

Today, by filing this bankruptcy we received the Bishop's answer to Judge Mohr's request. He will be a no show.

Bishop Brom implies that the victim's demands were too great and would put the diocese at financial risk. Bishop Brom state's that he must take into consideration that early trial verdicts could reduce the diocese ability to respond to later verdicts. No victim has ever intended to place the Diocese at risk of a bankruptcy. On the contrary, the victim's have been willing to work with the judge to set values and work out a plan for settlement that would be well within the means of this Diocese and its insurance company. 

The decision of Bishop Brom is nothing more or less than the approach of a big corporation and its Chief Financial Officer. This is not the approach of a "Shepard" who is concerned for the well being of his "flock," especially the injured. Nor is it the approach of someone who is concerned about the kind of "transparency" or "openness" that helps prevent abuse. Certainly, to invoke the "Grace from God" as dictating his decision is an affront to every child ever touched by the hands of a man wearing a Roman Collar. 

Despite this, we are hopeful that IF Bishop Brom and his advisors make a full disclosure of the reasons why the Chapter 11 bankruptcy was filed, and IF they provide a true and accurate accounting of their assets, and IF they offer to allow the truth of what they knew, and what they did to cover up the truth and expose children to great harm to be known, then perhaps this reorganization can be successful in achieving a fair resolution for everyone. Those are very big IFs. After meeting with Susan Boswell, Esq, the lawyer for Bishop Brom in this bankruptcy, we are hopeful that she will consider these IFs carefully.