Chicago, January 21 (RHC)-- The Archdiocese of Chicago has agreed to release thousands of internal documents that detail its internal handling of child sexual abuse by clergy members.

According to reports from the U.S. city of Chicago, the documents will be turned over to victims’ attorneys as part of a settlement in scores of cases.

Bishop Francis Kane of Chicago called the documents’ release a step toward healing past crimes, while victims’ advocate Barbara Dorris said they could help uncover predators who escaped punishment. She noted that because many of these predators have never been sued and therefore will not be on the list, “that leaves children in Chicago at risk."