Vatican, Catholic diocese nationwide turning the page on sexual abuse in the church

SIOUX CITY (IA)
KMEG 14

February 24, 2019

by Katie Copple and Jetske Wauran

News of Monday’s announcement from the Diocese of Sioux City broke Sunday morning during Sunday Mass as the Diocese of Sioux City follows other Diocese nationwide in releasing names of abusive priests.

Sunday morning during services, parishioners were told of the impending Diocese announcement, along with more details of the investigation into the sexual abuse allegations.

The letter from Bishop R. Walker Nickless, which was given to Siouxland News, states that the first alleged sexual abuse incident occurred in 1948 and the last in 1995.

Bishop Nickless hopes that by releasing this list, the church can mark a new chapter in history in which Nickless commits to quote “a future of trust, openness and accountability.”

He goes on to state that by releasing the names of the priests with credible allegations against them, the healing process can begin, showing the victims and their families that the church believes them.

The release of this list comes after years of accusations against the church here in Sioux City and worldwide.

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