Survivors group urges S.F. Archdiocese to sell off real estate to pay abuse victims
San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone celebrates Easter Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral on April 12, 2020. A group of abuse survivors are arguing the archdiocese could sell parts of its $5.9 billion real estate portfolio to compensate its hundreds of victims instead of opting for bankruptcy.
Jeff Chiu/Associated PressA group of abuse survivors is challenging the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s decision to declare bankruptcy, arguing it could instead sell parts of its multibillion-dollar real estate portfolio to compensate victims.
More than 500 civil lawsuits have been filed against the archdiocese, accusing hundreds of religious leaders of sexual abuse. The archdiocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late August, claiming it was necessary to manage litigation and compensation for each of the cases.
In a letter sent to Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone Tuesday, SNAP — the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests — argued the archdiocese should instead be utilizing its multibillion-dollar real estate portfolio to compensate victims.
According to SNAP’s calculations, the archdiocese possesses at least $5.9 billion in real estate properties from the Peninsula to Marin County. The group called the number a conservative estimate, given that it doesn’t include any income from undisclosed leases or parking fees.
A representative for the archdiocese did not respond to a request for comment on the group’s valuation.
SNAP claimed the archdiocese could sell the vacant land on just two of its properties — St. Vincent’s School for Boys in San Rafael and St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park — to generate $500 million-$1 billion for victims’ compensation.
Alternatively, the group proposed selling the archdiocese’s eight unstaffed parishes valued in total at more than $200 million.
“That you instead opted for bankruptcy is disheartening, particularly since this legal maneuver will prevent people who are not yet ready to come forward from receiving restitution in the future, including children,” several SNAP leaders wrote.
