Ex-archbishop can't recall handling of abuse cases

By Blake Mccoy
KARE
June 4, 2014

http://www.kare11.com/story/news/local/2014/06/04/ex-archbishop-cant-recall-handling-of-abuse-cases/9975949/

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A newly released deposition shows retired Twin Cities Archbishop Harry Flynn said he could not remember how he handled clergy sex abuse cases during his 13-year tenure.

Under oath last month, Flynn said at least 134 times that he could not recall how he handled the cases.

The 81 years old former archbishop retired six years ago. He said he didn't have dementia or other diagnosed memory problems.

In the deposition Flynn did defend the decision to pay priests accused of abuse even after they were removed from active ministry.

"I felt very strongly that they would not be able to get jobs very easily and so I wanted to give them some help," said Flynn. "What message would it send to the world if we threw these people out on the street without any assistance?"

Flynn testified as part of a lawsuit filed in 2013 by a man who says he was sexually abused by a former priest decades ago.

The archdiocese says it is not commenting on Flynn's deposition.