ST. PAUL  — Lawyers for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis are trying to block a court order requiring Archbishop John Nienstedt to testify about how the church handled clergy sexual abuse and release the names of all local priests accused of abusing children since 2004.

The archdiocese contends Ramsey County Judge John Van de North exceeded his authority in allowing attorneys for an alleged clergy abuse victim to depose Nienstedt and former Vicar General Kevin McDonough.

The archdiocese’s request, filed in Ramsey County District Court, asks for the demands to be dropped while it proceeds with an appeal.

Earlier this week, the archdiocese argued that church records and depositions are not relevant to the case brought by a man who said he was sexually abused by priest nearly 40 years ago.