New Mexico judge orders release of clergy sex abuse records

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has released hundreds of pages of court records related to sexual abuse allegations against clergy members in response to an order from a New Mexico judge. Church officials said in a statement issued after Wednesday's release that they hope the disclosure along with the recent publication of a list of clergy accused of sexual misconduct will serve as an additional step in healing for survivors, their families and parishioners. The documents include letters showing church leaders knew of allegations of sexual abuse that had been leveled against three priests from the 1960s through the 1980s. Judge Alan Malott's order stems from a request by KOB-TV. The Albuquerque television station argued that much of the information should no longer be guarded by a court-protected confidentiality order.