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Two survivors who allege they were sexually abused as children by a Catholic priest in the 1970s will finally get their day in court. On Thursday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali ruled that their cases against the Archdiocese of San Francisco can proceed to trial, despite the archdiocese’s 2023 bankruptcy filing. The decision will go into effect June 30, giving time for continued mediation between the parties, ABC News reported Friday.
The lawsuits accuse priest Joseph Pritchard, who served at St. Martin of Tours parish in San Jose, of abusing the plaintiffs during their childhood. The parish was under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of San Francisco at the time. Pritchard, a prominent Bay Area priest from the late 1940s through the mid-1980s, died in 1988. Dozens of survivors have since come forward with similar accusations against him.
The Archdiocese of San Francisco filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August 2023, citing over 500 sexual abuse claims. The bankruptcy paused pending lawsuits, including the two cases that were days from trial when the filing occurred. The Archdiocese did not respond to media inquiries following the judge’s ruling.
“The Archdiocese and Archbishop have stifled the voices of survivors for too long. This is a victory. These trials are long overdue – it’s time for survivors’ voices to be heard,” said the plaintiff’s attorney.
Across the United States, Catholic dioceses continue to face legal action for decades of clergy sexual abuse and institutional cover-ups. While many have sought bankruptcy protection, judges in several jurisdictions have allowed individual cases to proceed, recognizing the urgency of survivors’ right to justice.
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If you’ve experienced sexual abuse within the Catholic Church—or are seeking answers on behalf of a loved one—you have every right to seek justice. We encourage you to read our step-by-step guide to filing a Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuit to understand your options and the process ahead.
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