DAVENPORT (IA)
WQAD 8 [Moline, IL]
March 7, 2024
By Mikaela Schlueter
This is not the first time Rev. John Stack has been temporarily removed due to an investigation into alleged abuse against minors.
A local Catholic priest has been reinstated by the Diocese of Davenport after allegations of “inappropriate conduct with a minor,” according to a press release.
The Diocese says it was made aware of the allegations against Fr. John Stack in 2023. The alleged abuse stems from the mid-1990s, the release says.
In compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Diocese and County Attorney, the allegations were reported to the Scott County State’s Attorney and the case was then returned to the Diocese. According to the release, Stack was removed from ministry while the investigation took place.
Here is a timeline of the investigation, according to the Diocese:
“Following a thorough investigation that was considered by the Diocesan Review Board, the case was sent in October of 2023 to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome. This office evaluates cases of abuse submitted by bishops.
“On December 22, 2023, Fr. Kenneth Kuntz, Diocesan Administrator, received a letter from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith entrusting the matter to his pastoral governance.
“According to canon law, ‘Any person is considered innocent until the contrary is proved.’
“After consultation with the Diocesan Review Board, the College of Consultors, and the Priests’ Personnel Board, Fr. Kuntz is restoring Fr. Stack to priestly ministry according to Diocesan policy and canon law. He may assist priests who are ill, on vacation, etc. Any future assignment will be determined by the next bishop.”
It’s unclear what the conclusion of the investigation was. News 8 has reached out to the Diocese for clarity and Stack’s previous assignments.
News 8 also reached out to Scott County State’s Attorney Kelly Cunningham for information on her office’s investigation and received the following statement from Cunningham.
“Thank you for reaching out. As for your inquiry, I am not able to speak about investigative matters, which are considered confidential per provisions of the Iowa Code. Have a nice day.”
2013 Allegations against Fr. John Stack
In 2013, Stack was accused of touching minors inappropriately in the 1980s. The Diocese reported the accusations to the Scott County Attorney and Stack was removed from ministry.
The case went through a trial process through the Doctrine of Faith at the Vatican, where three judges found that the accusations of sexual abuse could not be proven, the Diocese reported in 2016. The decision was appealed for further review and the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith agreed with the prior judges findings.
Stack was thereafter reassigned to service with the Diocese of Davenport.
This is not the first time Stack has been suspended from ministry due to allegations of sexual abuse against minors. Back in 2013, the Diocese temporarily removed Stack after he was accused of inappropriately touching minors in the 1980s. Diocese records show Father Stack was a parochial vicar at Holy Family in Davenport in the late 1980s.
The Diocese reported the accusations to the Scott County Attorney and Stack was removed from ministry. The case went through a trial process through the Doctrine of Faith at the Vatican, where three judges found that the accusations of sexual abuse could not be proven, reports the Diocese. He was cleared in 2016 to return to the ministry.
“There was not a finding of innocence or guilt,” the 2016 press release from the Diocese read.