The victims and their attorneys are slamming the transfer as a blatant attempt to shield the church’s assets in the ongoing bankruptcy case.
Attorneys representing survivors recently filed a complaint with the court in an effort to force a reversal of the transfer.
Corporate records show the Oakland Parochial Fund, created in 2014 by the Diocese, is under the direct control of Bishop Michael Barber.
Its articles of incorporation state the fund was “formed, and shall be operated, supervised or controlled by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Oakland.”.
“Now, that shell has $106 million in liquid assets that Bishop Barber claims is off limits to victims who have sued the Diocese.”.
The proposal includes a fund for more than 350 abuse survivors the Diocese estimates is worth more than $150 million.
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