That's following what it calls a "Surge" in clergy sexual abuse claims.
The California sexual abuse and Cover-up Accountability Act helped bring the number of credible accusations within the Diocese of Fresno to 154 cases, dating back decades.
It's important to clarify that none of the claims involve people currently serving in the diocese.
The bishop says the only way to resolve every claim fairly and compassionately is to file for bankruptcy.
When I hear how many lives were affected by clergy sexual abuse, my heart truly breaks," said Bishop Joseph V. Brennan with the Diocese of Fresno.
On Tuesday, the Diocese of Fresno posted this video on YouTube addressing the many claims filed against the church for sexual abuse of a minor.
"Victims of abuse endure a lifetime of pain, and we as Catholics must commit to a lifetime of atonement," said Brennan.
The
California sexual abuse and Cover-up Accountability Act legislation
opened a three-year window for survivors of sexual assault to file
claims against their abusers and the institutions involved in covering
up the abuse, even if the statute of limitations has expired.
Since the filing window closed on December 31st, 2022, the Fresno Catholic Diocese has received 154 credible claims filed against the church.
"The reopening of the window has made every diocese in California susceptible to more claims," said Brennan. "What we are facing gives us the opportunity to redouble our efforts in creating a safe environment for everyone."
But the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, also known as SNAP, says filing for bankruptcy could do more harm to the victims.
If the catholic church is going to hold itself out there as a moral beacon for a fallen world, then I think they have to act like a moral beacon. And I frankly think these bankruptcies are immoral," said Melanie Sakoda, the SNAP Survivor Support Director.
She says if the church files, this could be a legal tactic to protect itself.
Bankruptcy also would only give survivors who have come forward a chance to speak up.
"#1, these children will never have a chance to be compensated for their injuries, and #2, It's sad for the people in the parishes too, because they will never...that information about who these abusers are may never see public light," said Sakoda. "There's no way that the church can weed out all the abusers, and churches are attractive to predators, so when you...If you take your children to church, pay attention to changes in behavior. Don't just assume that because it's the church that, it's 100% safe."
Since so many cases have come forward, the church says filing for bankruptcy will help to prevent the depletion of funds from the first few cases.
The diocese of Fresno says it plans to file in August.
This isn't the first diocese in the state to file for bankruptcy.
Last month, the diocese of Sacramento filed after more than 250 lawsuits claiming sexual abuse by clergy.
The Archdiocese of San Francisco, the Archdiocese of Oakland, and the Diocese of Santa rosa all filed last year, too.