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	Arguments Begin over Alleged Sexual Assault of Children by Catholic Priests Canadian Press September 10, 2009 http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5iX0qd6knOq1pA1z1VFhsIk5kLxtg HALIFAX, N.S. — A judge in Nova Scotia will begin hearing arguments today on whether to certify a class-action suit against the Roman Catholic church over the alleged sexual abuse of children by its priests. John MacKiggan, a lawyer representing the claimants, says he will present arguments to a Supreme Court justice over the alleged decades-old abuse in the diocese of Antigonish. The lawsuit was launched last year by Ronald Martin, whose brother wrote a suicide note in 2002 that led to charges of sex crimes against a priest from the diocese. In the suit, Martin claimed the diocese failed to protect children in its care when it became aware of the alleged abuse. The church reached a proposed settlement with the plaintiffs last month, but it has to be certified by the court. The judge also has to approve the proposed settlement of more than $13 million, which would be available to people who were allegedly sexually assaulted by any priest of the Catholic Episcopal Corp. of Antigonish since Jan. 1, 1950.
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