Bishop Lawrence D. Soens

Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Died: 11/1/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Davenport IA

Accused in 2002 of abusing three boys in the 1960s. One claim settled for $20K in 2004. Two suits were pending as of 5/2006. Seven new suits were filed in 5/2006. Apparently a new suit with 13 plaintiffs was filed in 8/2006 alleging abuse 1959-1967. In 2/2006 the diocese investigative panel found behavior may have been inappropriate, but did not appear to be sexual. It found him guilty of sexual abuse 11/3/2008. Included on the diocese’s list of credibly accused in 5/2009, noting accusations of abuse of 31 male minors. Twelve cases were dismissed in 5/2009. In 2018 a man stated publicly that he was abused by Soens and another priest while a young seminarian. Soens died in 11/2021, at age 95.


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