Minnesota Archbishop Says in Deposition He Doesn't Think Church Mishandled Abuse Allegations

Star Tribune
April 22, 2014

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/256180781.html

Twin Cities Archbishop John Nienstedt said in a recent sworn deposition that he hasn't reprimanded or disciplined anyone for the way church officials have handled allegations of clergy sexual abuse, and he doesn't think he should have, according to a recording of the deposition that was made public Tuesday.

During the interview, the head of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said he does not believe any priests or church leaders mishandled allegations of abuse. He also said his staff told him there was nobody in ministry who had credible accusations of child abuse made against them, and that he believed another church official was responsible for notifying parish officials about problem priests.

Attorneys for victims of alleged sexual abuse by priests said the deposition, recorded April 2, shows an ongoing practice of denial and deflecting responsibility. Attorney Jeff Anderson said Nienstedt lied during the deposition, but when asked what he believed was a lie, he said there has been a "longstanding pattern of deceit and deception."

In response to Anderson's comments, Jim Accurso, a spokesman for the archdiocese, told The Associated Press that Nienstedt "was under oath when he gave that deposition."