San Diego Diocese Will Begin Release of Records On Abusive Priests

In September 2007, the Catholic Diocese of San Diego (CA) entered a settlement in claims of clergy sexual abuse by 144 victims. Part of the settlement included an agreement on release of documents regarding abusive priests and employees, and records of how the Church dealt with them. (See prior posting.) Yesterday's San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the files will finally be released tomorrow on a secure website that will be accessible to plaintiffs' lawyers. Retired Judge William C. Pate will then review challenges to the release of specific documents. Priests who are still living will be permitted to challenge release of information about them. Also the diocese is claiming that certain of the documents should remain private. It is anticipated that it will take 5 to 6 months for the challenges to be decided.