Archbishop's deposition ends 'heatedly' in Minnesota abuse lawsuit

April 03, 2014

The deposition of Archbishop John Nienstedt of St. Paul-Minneapolis ended “abruptly” after a lengthy session on April 2, with an attorney for sex-abuse victims charging that the prelate walked out under questioning.

A spokesman for the St. Paul archdiocese said that the archbishop had answered all questions, and left only when the four hours allotted by the trial court had elapsed. But Jeffrey Anderson, an aggressive lawyer who has repeatedly targeted the Catholic Church, told reporters that the deposition ended “heatedly” when he questioned the archbishop about confidential personnel files that the court has ordered released.

Archbishop Nienstedt reportedly said that the files will be released after an internal review. But Anderson charged that the archdiocese is withholding evidence, and may destroy files. He called upon police: “Seize them. Seize those files.”

In a related development, a Minnesota attorney speculated that the archdiocese would file for bankruptcy because of the demands of sex-abuse victims. A spokesman for the archdiocese would not comment on that possibility, saying only that “all options are on the table.”

 

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Further information:

• Archbishop's deposition ends 'heatedly' after 4 hours, lawyer says (Pioneer Press)
• Deposition of Archbishop Nienstedt in clergy sex abuse lawsuit ends abruptly (Fox)
• Statement: Deposition of Archbishop Nienstedt (Archdiocese of St. Paul- Minneapolis)
• Bankruptcy for Twin Cites Archdiocese considered (KARE)