This press conference discusses a lawsuit filed on behalf of a survivor identified as Jane Doe 23 against Father Robert M. Thurner and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. According to the speakers, documents show that church officials were aware in the early 1980s that Thurner had sexually abused a minor and had admitted to misconduct, but the information was not reported to police or shared with parish communities. Instead, he was reassigned to different parishes where he continued working in ministry, which the lawsuit claims led to further abuse.
The press conference emphasizes that the lawsuit was filed not only for the survivor but also to push for broader action, including releasing the names of credibly accused priests, making internal files public, and changing how abuse allegations are handled. The speakers argue that transparency, public disclosure, and prioritizing child safety over institutional reputation are necessary steps to prevent future abuse and protect children in the community.