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  Diocese Files 2nd Annual Bankruptcy Report

By Ann McGlynn
Quad-City Times
May 7, 2010

http://qctimes.com/news/local/article_b773dabc-5980-11df-b366-001cc4c002e0.html

[bankruptcy report]

The Diocese of Davenport has filed its second required annual report with its bankruptcy court , with leaders saying they are in full compliance with the nonmonetary actions agreed to as part of the bankruptcy settlement.

However, victim attorney Craig Levien said he is "disappointed that the diocese has spent another year stalling full and complete compliance with the nonmonetaries" and challenged the diocese to specific requests.

Meanwhile, both sides agree on one thing: A dispute remains over the court-ordered release of additional names of clergy accused of abuse.

Among the items the diocese reported to the court:

All ongoing investigations of allegations of abuse are complete, with no new reports of abuse submitted since the diocese's last report to the court. One investigation into a deceased priest was reopened at the request of a survivor. The Diocesan Review Board and special investigator James Sweeney are investigating.

Bishop Martin Amos met with the Iowa Catholic Conference and a group of Iowa legislators to discuss the elimination of criminal statutes of limitation for child sexual abuse committed by clergy or others in a position of authority.

The bishop wrote two letters of apology to survivors as request and met with one woman who wanted to share her story. "It certainly affected me and I certainly hope it brought some healing to her," he said.

Also, diocesan officials said it spent $47,867 on help for abuse survivors. The diocese spent $22,133 for its continuing child protection efforts in 2009, with 17,489 adults and children trained about abuse. The diocese has implemented a policy for registered sex offenders who wish to attend church functions.

In addition to the release of the names now battled over, Levien requested:

- In light of recent stories of Vatican inaction regarding priests accused of abuse, the release of "all communications from Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict, about the decision not to defrock credibly accused perpetrators," including Gerald Stouvenal, Francis Bass and now-retired Bishop Lawrence Soens.

- A resolution to a formal court order regarding payment of counseling.

- The whereabouts of living credibly accused priests.

"We intend to request another hearing and ask for a complete and thorough review of whether the diocese has met the intent and letter of the nonmonetary agreements," Levien said.

The diocese filed for bankruptcy in October 2006 after it lost its first civil sex abuse trial.

The diocese, its insurance company and the creditors committee agreed to a $37 million bankruptcy settlement, with the stipulation that the diocese and all Catholic entities in the diocese were to be released from liability.

Insurance company Travelers paid $19.5 million. The deed to the diocese-owned St. Vincent Center was turned over to the bankruptcy trustee and the diocese paid $13.5 million. More than 150 sex abuse victims were covered by the settlement.

 
 

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