NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Supreme Court has refused to block the release of documents generated by lawsuits against priests in the state of Connecticut for alleged sexual abuse.

The justices turned down a request by the Roman Catholic diocese in Bridgeport. Several newspapers are seeking the release of more than 12,000 pages from 23 lawsuits against six priests. The records have been under seal since the diocese settled the cases in 2001. Courts in Connecticut have ruled that the papers should be made public.

The decision ends a legal battle that dragged on for years and could shed light on how recently retired New York Cardinal Edward Egan handled the allegations when he was Bridgeport bishop. It's unclear when the documents will be released.

Barbara Blaine, founder of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, welcomed the decision. Blaine says the decision sends a clear message to those who would endanger kids that they will eventually "have to face the music."

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops says there shouldn't be excessive entanglement of the state in the affairs of the Church. The bishops said they have taken steps to protect children and help victims of sexual abuse.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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