St. John's Abbey Seeks To Keep Priest Info Private

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) -- The attorneys representing St. John's Abbey are asking a judge to keep secret any documents or evidence that they turn over in a clergy sex-abuse lawsuit regarding Rev. Francisco Schulte.

The St. Cloud Times reports the request is pending with Stearns County District Court Judge Frederick Grunke.

He recently heard arguments about whether documents such as Abbot John Klassen's file on Schulte should be confidential if turned over to attorney Jeff Anderson.

Anderson argued that an order like the one requested by the abbey attorney suppresses information about credible sex abuse claims that the public needs to know.

Further, he argues that Schulte was allegedly able to abuse the victims because St. John's concealed information about Schulte's behavior that could have protected his clients.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)