Nienstedt Testimony Contradicts 6-Year-Old Letters

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Archbishop John Nienstedt's testimony about when he knew about an abusive priest contradicts information in letters he exchanged with a parishioner six years ago.

Minnesota Public Radio News reports that Nienstedt made a false statement when he testified on April 2 that he learned about the prior conviction of the Rev. Gilbert Gustafson "during the last six months."

Letters obtained by MPR show that one parishioner wrote to Nienstedt about Gustafson in 2008. The parishioner said Gustafson had been convicted, and was working as a consultant for Twin Cities parishes. Nienstedt wrote back two weeks later.

In a statement released to The Associated Press on Thursday, Nienstedt said he was as accurate as possible in his April deposition and recalled details from the past as best as he could.

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