BOSTON CHURCH SEEKS STAY

PFMLIT CLERGY, General, SEX OFFENDERS AND OTHERS IN POSITIONS OF TRUST

A judge refused to dismiss more than 400 sexual abuse lawsuits against the Boston Archdiocese, rejecting arguments that the Constitution bars the courts from interfering with church operations.  The lawsuits allege church officials were negligent in their supervision of priests accused of molesting children.

The Boston Archdiocese and lawyers suing the Roman Catholic Church in the sexual abuse cases filed a request in court yesterday seeking a 90-day stay on all litigation while they pursue a settlement.