By Dan McNevin, Board Treasurer, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP)

In his recent community letter, Bishop Barber accused survivors of sexual abuse of “racing to the courthouse steps,” a remark that cruelly distorts their motives and heaps fresh insult on their pain. Nothing could be further from the truth. Survivors are not after profit, they are fighting for justice, dignity, and the truth.

The reality is that the Diocese of Oakland is far from poor. Bishop Barber resides in a 4,000-square-foot apartment in a $200 million cathedral complex, while the diocese controls more than 80 parish campuses, cemetery land in Lafayette, and other valuable East Bay properties. Court records from the bankruptcy reveal hundreds of millions in cash, investments, and real estate holdings. If these assets were valued as residential land, Bishop Barber would be considered a billionaire – one of the richest men in America.

Meanwhile, survivors, many of whom struggle to pay rent, afford medication, or keep up with student loans, continue to suffer. Who is really being selfish here: the bishop with a billion-dollar portfolio, or the 345 individuals seeking fair restitution for sex crimes committed against them as children?

Instead of addressing these crimes with honesty and compassion, Bishop Barber has spent more than $30 million on lawyers to prevent justice and conceal the truth. His list of “credibly accused” priests contains only 65 names, when the real number is more than twice that.

This bankruptcy isn’t only about money for past crimes. It’s about justice, and it’s about the future. The church cannot be safe until the full truth is revealed about how Bishop Barber and his predecessors concealed child sexual abuse. It cannot be safe until laws ensure it never happens again. Bishop Barber must come clean, and he needs to pay what he owes.

Sincerely,
Dan McNevin
Clergy Abuse Survivors and Board Treasurer
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP)