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Photo credit: St. Mary’s Cathedral, San Francisco
A California bankruptcy judge has ordered the public release of 175 pages of confidential meeting minutes from the San Francisco Archdiocese’s Independent Review Board (IRB), offering a rare glimpse into how the Archdiocese internally investigates sexual abuse claims against its clergy and staff, NBC Bay Area reported earlier this week.
The documents, made public Wednesday morning, summarize discussions between members of the IRB—an internal panel chosen by the Archbishop—and high-ranking church officials, including Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone. The disclosures were mandated as part of the Archdiocese’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, despite pushback from church attorneys.
Brittany Michael, a bankruptcy attorney representing the Archdiocese’s creditors, called the move “unprecedented,” adding, “This is the first time I can say in a bankruptcy case that an archdiocese had to make these minutes public.”
Although the documents include redactions and exclude full investigative reports, they detail recurring themes in how the Archdiocese approaches abuse allegations. “The minutes reveal that the Archdiocese remains hyper focused on protecting the reputation of priests, even if it means putting children in danger,” Michael said. “Another issue that stands out in the minutes is the nitpicking of survivor stories in order to find fault.”
In several documented cases, the IRB reviewed allegations against priests who were still in active ministry and concluded the claims were unsubstantiated. The priests were returned to their roles following the internal investigations.
Steve Moreno, a clergy abuse survivor who sits on the creditors’ committee in the bankruptcy case, questioned the transparency and independence of the IRB’s process. “Is this a process that the public should have trust in?” he asked. “The answer is no.”
Moreno also called for stronger survivor representation within the IRB. “Have some independents that are part of the review board,” he said. “Are you taking into account the victim, not just the abuser? I think the abuser does have rights, don’t get me wrong. But anybody who’s willing to come forward should be heard.”
The Archdiocese, in a written statement, defended the IRB, asserting it is “truly independent” and composed of “well-educated and highly skilled professionals who care deeply about the topic of sexual abuse.” The board, according to the Archdiocese, includes a psychologist, two physicians, a clergy abuse survivor, the Archdiocese Chancellor, and a pastor.
Are You A Survivor Of Catholic Church Sexual Abuse? Justice And Compensation Are Possible.
If you or someone you care about is a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, you are not alone—and you may still have legal options. To better understand your rights and learn what steps you can take next, visit our Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide. Should you choose to share your information, our empathetic, professionally-trained intake team is here to listen and may connect you with a highly experienced sexual abuse attorney who understands the trauma you’ve endured and is ready to fight for justice on your behalf.
