Los Angeles, Calif., Apr 17, 2006 / 22:00 pm
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles faced a disappointing decision yesterday when the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request to take up the Church’s case regarding the confidentiality of files for priests accused of sexual abuse.
The Supreme Court denial means that rulings from 14 lower courts stand and the archdiocese must hand over the confidential files of two priests to a California grand jury.
In a statement, the archdiocese called the decision disappointing. For the moment, it ends a four year battle, but Church officials say they will still continue to pursue mediation in the civil cases.
According to the Reuters News Agency, the decision could pave the way for 500 more people seeking lawsuits against the archdiocese to demand opening confidential files.
L.A.’s Cardinal Roger Mahony has argued that the subpoenas are an intrusion into private Church affairs and may be a violation of the separation of church and state.