Enlarge By Douglas Healey, AP Bishop William Lori announces nearly six years ago at the Catholic Center in Bridgeport, Conn., that the Diocese of Bridgeport settled 42 claims of sexual abuse of a minor, against 16 priests, for $21 million. Join the conversation: Religion, spirituality & ethics | Reader forum: Your beliefs WASHINGTON (AP)  The Supreme Court refused on Monday to block the release of documents generated by lawsuits against priests in Connecticut for alleged sexual abuse. The justices turned down a request by the Roman Catholic diocese in Bridgeport, Conn. FAITH & REASON: What did the bishops know? 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. Waterbury Superior Court clerk Philip Groth said he needs to consult a judge to determine whether a hearing is necessary before the records are released. He said Monday morning it was unlikely the documents would be released Monday. Telephone messages were left Monday for the diocese and an attorney for the newspapers. A Waterbury Superior Court said in 2006 that the documents were subject to a presumption of public access. The Connecticut Supreme Court upheld the lower court decision. Barbara Blaine, founder of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, welcomed the decision. "This decision sends a clear message to those who would endanger kids: eventually, you'll have to face the music and reveal your callousness, recklessness and deceit," Blaine said in a statement. "We hope that this ruling will deter every pedophile's supervisor and co-workers from protecting a predator." She urged Bridgeport Bishop William E. Lori to disclose how much the diocese spent in church donations on the case. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more