Ramsey Co. Judge Orders Deposition Of Archbishop, Fmr. Vicar General
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The head of the Catholic Church in the Twin Cities will soon answer questions from lawyers about alleged church abuse.
At a hearing Tuesday, a Ramsey County judge ordered the deposition of Archbishop John Nienstedt and former Vicar General Kevin McDonough.
Judge John Van de North also ordered the St. Paul Catholic officials to turn over records about clerics who commit or conceal crimes against children since 2004, which is due later this month.
The Survivor Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) released an immediate statement following the ruling.
"The need for more disclosure by church figures has been clear for years," Frank Meuers of SNAP said. "Many rightly believe that church officials have not, and are not, being held accountable for irresponsible deeds and crimes that other officials in other organizations would be."
The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis also responded to the ruling Tuesday saying, "The archdiocese looks forward to working with the Court and all affected parties to promote the protection of children, the healing of victims and the restoration of trust of the faithful and our clergy who are serving our communities nobly and with honor."
The Archdiocese also says that they will also "strongly assert our pursuit of justice for any who are falsely accused."
Related: Judge: Church Must Give Names Of All Accused Priests