With time to file claims coming to a close on October 26, 2026, the Official Committee of Survivors in the Diocese of El Paso bankruptcy, advocating for all Survivors, has entered into mediation discussions with the Diocese of El Paso, its insurers, and affiliates.  Mediation is an important component of the bankruptcy process and allows the parties, with the involvement of an experienced Mediator, to explain their viewpoints and hopefully make further progress toward a monetary resolution and to reach agreement on protecting children from abuse in the future. 

Mediation is often the longest phase of bankruptcy cases like this one. The process involves intertwined negotiations with multiple parties and resolving those disputes takes time. This process is understandably frustrating for Survivors. Mediation follows strict confidentiality measures, so it is not possible for the Committee to update Survivors on progress until the parties have reached an ultimate resolution. Confidentiality is important because it allows all sides to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their cases without the risk of the concessions being used against them in court. We know that this can be difficult for Survivors when much work happens “privately” within mediation.

The Official Committee will continue to update this website with any developments that may be shared.  Survivors, if represented by legal counsel, should discuss with their attorneys any questions related to their individual case. Questions about the bankruptcy process in general, and comments or the Official Committee of Survivors, may be directed to the Committee’s legal professionals, Stinson LLP, via elpasosurvivorteam@stinson.com.  Every message to Stinson is treated confidentially and will receive a reply.

The Diocese of El Paso and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors have agreed to a grace period to allow of the filing of additional Survivor Claims, through and including October 26, 2026. Certain conditions apply to this extension, so you should check with an attorney to see if you are eligible. If you are eligible to file during this grace period, you can file a claim by visiting the official claim website and clicking File a Claim.  Survivors are encouraged to discuss this process with their attorney if they are represented.  General bankruptcy process questions and comments for the Official Committee of Survivors may always be sent to elpasosurvivorteam@stinson.com.  All messages are treated confidentially and receive a response.

The deadline to file claims in The Roman Catholic Bishop of Fresno bankruptcy is September 11, 2026. Instructions for filing the Confidential Proof of Claim form and the Survivor Supplement can be found on the Stretto website: Catholic Diocese of El Paso.  Survivors who are represented should discuss filing their claim with their attorney.

Dear Survivors, those supporting Survivors, and others interested in the Diocese of El Paso bankruptcy case:

On behalf of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Survivors’ Committee”), welcome to the El Paso Survivors’ webpage. We, the Survivors Committee, were appointed by the US Trustee’s Office to advocate on behalf of all Survivors of abuse within the Diocese of El Paso.

The Survivors’ Committee is made up of five Survivors of abuse related to this Diocese, who represent a diversity of ages and genders. As Survivors ourselves, we understand the pain and trauma that other Survivors may be experiencing during this bankruptcy case. We understand that each Survivors’ journey is unique, and we empathize with each one of you as we navigate and process the trauma we have all experienced. Whether you are just beginning that journey or have been on it for many years, we are with you. We have designed this website to help with the questions you may have about the bankruptcy case.

This website provides the following information regarding the bankruptcy case of the Diocese of El Paso: 

• Overview of the bankruptcy process
• Diocesan Bankruptcy frequently asked questions (FAQ)
• News feed detailing case events and the Survivors’ Committee’s activities
• Mental health resources for Survivors

The website will be regularly updated over the course of the case. The Survivors’ Committee hopes Survivors find this information useful, and encourage any Survivors with questions to contact their personal attorneys or the Survivors’ Committee’s bankruptcy counsel, Stinson LLP. To contact Stinson LLP, you may email Elpasosurvivorteam@stinson.com.

A jury in Alameda Superior Court (Oakland) found this week that one Survivor deserves to be paid $16 million for abuse he experienced in the Diocese of Oakland. The Survivor was abused by a priest who had previously been arrested for abuse, but was then moved to another post. The same priest had been accused of abuse in several other lawsuits. 

Rick Simons, lead trial attorney for the Survivor commented “This is a case about accountability, it’s about justice. It’s about the Survivor finding his voice and regaining his power. We stand with him on this momentous day.” Jeff Anderson, another attorney representing the Survivor commented “Today’s verdict reflects years of resilience and determination, driven by an unwavering pursuit of truth and justice. This moment belongs not only to the Survivor, but to every survivor who has stood up and spoken up.”  

The Diocese of Oakland is in bankruptcy, but this trial was able to proceed because the bankruptcy stay was lifted to allow a small number of Survivor lawsuits to proceed. Details regarding the case can be viewed via this link. Please be aware that details may be difficult to read and re-traumatizing for some Survivors.  

This result makes clear, once again, that Survivor claims are valid and serious and that the Church and its insurers face very significant financial responsibility for Survivor claims in all Catholic Church bankruptcies. The outcome also reflects the bravery and tenacity of the Survivor who agreed to stand up to the Church and its large insurers, and to face down the most difficult experiences of his life, in order to help other Survivors in the Diocese of Oakland and across the country.