Archbishop Nienstedt gives deposition on alleged priest abuse

By Chao Xiong
Star Tribune
April 2, 2014

http://www.startribune.com/local/253622951.html

Twin Cities Archbishop John Nienstedt appeared Wednesday afternoon in a Ramsey County court case to give  his deposition on allegations of priest abuse.

Nienstedt was questioned by attorneys representing John Doe 1 in a civil suit that alleges abuse by a former priest.

The archdiocese released a statement later Wednesday, noting Nienstedt told attorneys children's safety is the archdiocese's highest priority. The statement says he expressed regret for past mistakes with clergy abuse allegations.

The statement also notes he highlighted safeguards implemented since 2002, including criminal background checks for clergy, employees and volunteers.

Nienstedt was expected to face questions about decades' worth of allegations and the shuffling around of priests accused of abuse.

The Twin Cities archdiocese will be releasing its files on clergy child sex offenders to the court, but it is unlikely to include the entire 60,000 documents.