Differing Opinions On Archbishop’s Deposition

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Attorneys for victims of alleged sexual abuse by priests say a deposition by Twin Cities Archbishop John Nienstedt shows deceit continues in the church.

Nienstedt is head of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. On April 2, he testified about the church's response to sexual abuse allegations.

Attorneys made the deposition public Tuesday. In the interview, Nienstedt said under oath that he hasn't reprimanded or disciplined anyone for how abuse cases were handled. In several instances, he says the responsibility for notifying people about problem priests fell on another church official, the Rev. Kevin McDonough.

Victims' attorney Jeff Anderson says the deposition shows Nienstedt continues to deny the problem and deflect responsibility.

The archdiocese says Nienstedt answered every question and continually reiterated that child safety is the highest priority.