From the article the conflict stems from the possibility that one of the defense attorneys attended the same seminary at the same time the alleged abuse was taking place.
Well, suppose I went to college at the same time someone in the administration was taking bribes - and later I was a lawyer in the case one way or another but had never crossed paths with the perps. I just went to the same school they worked at. What would it matter? But you see, they must be saying he is a witness, so they need to lay their evidence on the table or shut up. Otherwise it's our old friend guilt by association.
Just curious, what denomination of protestant are you?