Pastoral Letter: ADSF Settlement

Dear Sisters and Brothers –

Archbishop Cordileone has announced that the Archdiocese of San Francisco reached a $395 million settlement agreement associated with its Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The settlement seeks to resolve all lawsuits related to child sexual abuse brought against the Archdiocese under California Assembly Bill 218. This settlement partially redresses the grave injuries inflicted on children by some clergy, meriting compassion, accountability and prayers. You can find Archbishop Cordileone’s letter to the faithful of the archdiocese here.

Neither St. Ignatius Parish, nor any Jesuit or layperson who has ministered here, is the subject of any of the 541 claims.

To help reach the settlement amount, the archdiocese will assess each parish, parochial school, high school, cemetery, and other institutions in the archdiocese. Contributions to the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal are restricted donations and cannot be used by the archdiocese to reach the settlement amount.

As soon as I receive our assessment, I will consult with the Finance Committee, the Parish Council, the Rector of the Jesuit Community of San Francisco, the Provincial of the Jesuits West Province, and our attorneys, to prayerfully discern our response.

We pray for all survivors of sexual abuse. Please also pray for the Archbishop as he leads the local Church through this process, for the ministries of the archdiocese, and for all the People of God. And, as always, oremus pro invicem.

Fr. Greg