Approval Of Class Settlement By Diocese Must Await Further Investigation

In St. George, South Carolina, a state circuit judge on Friday refused to approve a proposed settlement of a class action that had been brought against the Catholic Diocese of Charleston by victims of priest sexual abuse. Instead, Judge Diane Goodstein ordered an investigation of whether the Diocese archives contain evidence of additional cases of abuse. Reporting on developments, the Charleston (SC) Post and Courier today says that the Diocese will cooperate fully in the investigation. Diocese lawyer Peter Shahid Jr. says the ordered investigation is likely merely a formality.