Dear Brother Priests, Deacons, Diocesan Seminarians, Chancery and Parish Staff,  Brothers and Sisters in Christ of the Diocese of Oakland:

Today the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California, Oakland Division, issued its Memorandum Decision After Hearing on Confirmation of Debtor’s Modified Fourth Amended Plan of Reorganization. This decision follows a contested trial through which our Diocese sought bankruptcy court approval of its Modified Fourth Amended Plan of Reorganization. The court did not confirm our Plan as presented, but set forth various points needing correction or improvement.   While today is a setback, we remain committed to providing fair and equitable treatment for the Survivors, and to continuing our mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in service to the 500,000 faithful Catholics in our community. 

As we study the Court's decision, we will have more information about how we will move forward. But I wanted to share this news with you, my flock, immediately and directly.  We know that our Redeemer lives. (Job 19:25) Christ promised to remain with us always, even to the end of the ages. (Matt 28:20). Our efforts to find justice for Survivors and to preserve our sacred mission will continue.

The 120 active priests of the Diocese and I pledge to continue our faithful service to you every day with the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. I ask for your prayers and commend you -- and all involved in this case -- to the intercession of Our Lady Queen of the World, patroness of our Diocese.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

The Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, S.J.

Bishop of Oakland