Any Kind of Abuse a "Moral Offense and Crime," Says Carlson

Catholic Sentinel
June 16, 2014

http://www.catholicsentinel.org/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=34&ArticleID=25450

Archbishop Robert Carlson says he wants to "set the record straight" and "respond to certain misconceptions" about a deposition he gave in a lawsuit involving alleged abuse by a Minnesota priest 35 years ago.

"I understand this situation has caused concern and frustration for many people, and for that I apologize. Abuse of any kind is a serious moral offense and a crime," he said in a statement.

Media outlets gave extensive coverage to a video clip of his deposition after the plaintiff's lawyer highlighted it at a June 9 news conference.

Archdiocesan officials said the clip distorted Archbishop Carlson's testimony by taking his response to a question out of context, suggesting he "did not know that it was a criminal offense for an adult to molest a child. Nothing could be further from the truth."