In June of 2023, the Diocese of Oakland tried to use the federal bankruptcy court to conceal the names of priests accused of sexual abuse—even those still working with children and posing a public safety threat.

According to NBCBayArea:

“Attorneys representing the Diocese of Oakland in its ongoing bankruptcy case are seeking to seal the names of priests and other church employees accused of sexually abusing children or aiding in alleged cover-ups.”

“The Diocese’s attorneys declined an interview request from NBC Bay Area at a hearing Tuesday but argued in a recent motion that confidentiality will protect accused clergy against the disclosure of a ‘scandalous’ and deeply personal matter in publicly filed court documents.”

Oakland’s Threat to Public Safety

Keeping the names of predators accused in our civil justice system is a public safety threat. Need proof? Two days after the diocese attempted to seal names, NBCBayArea reported that two…