ST. CLOUD  (AP) - The Roman Catholic bishop of St. Cloud indicates his diocese learned in the 1990s about sexual misconduct allegations against an ex-deacon.

A statement from Bishop John Kinney was read at a listening session Monday. He apologized and sought forgiveness, saying he was "ashamed and humiliated" for the victims' sufferings.

The ex-deacon allegedly abused boys in the late 1960s and early 70s. He left the church in the early 70s and went on to a career in child protection. One victim has sued him and the diocese alleging the church covered up the abuse.

The bishop says staff scoured the files but "found nothing that dates back before the 1990s." He says most of his information comes from meetings of two church officials with the victims.

The ex-deacon and his attorney have not commented.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)

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