ARCHDIOCESE Files Motion to Block Depositions, Release of Records

By Liz O'Connell
BringMeTheNews
February 14, 2014

http://www.bringmethenews.com/2014/02/14/archdiocese-files-motion-to-block-depositions-release-of-records/

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is attempting to block a court order to depose Archbishop John Nienstedt and former Vicar General Kevin McDonough within the next month.

Ramsey County District Court Judge John Van de North issued the order in a case filed by John Doe 1, who claimed he was sexually abused by former priest Tom Adamson between 1976 and 1977.

According to a statement issued Friday, the archdiocese filed a motion Thursday to put a hold on the depositions, claiming “the extensive requirements of the judge’s order reach beyond the limits of Minnesota law.”

Lawyers for the archdiocese say Nienstedt, who came to the archdiocese 2007, shouldn’t have to testify on claims that occurred before he arrived.

The archdiocese wants to halt the order while it moves forward with an appeal.

The Star Tribune reports Van de North had also ordered that the archdiocese release the names of all local priests accused of sexually abusing minors since 2004 and other internal documents, which the church is also attempting to block.

The archdiocese argued earlier this week that the church records being requested are also not relevant to the case, the Associated Press says.