Diocese of Davenport: Clergy Accused of Sexual Abuse

The Review Board found that certain allegations of sexual abuse against Retired Bishop Lawrence Soens are credible.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (Diocese of Davenport) - The Diocese of Davenport has issued the following Press Release for distribution:

WALKING TOGETHER IN FAITH For Immediate Release
DATE: November 3, 2008
FROM: Deacon David Montgomery PHONE: 563-324-1911 Diocese of Davenport montgomery@davenportdiocese.org
RE: Clergy accused of sexual abuse - additional information

The Review Board of the Diocese of Davenport has determined that the following clergy must be added to a list of those credibly accused of sexually abusing minors. They are: Joseph Hines, Eugene Smith, Lawrence Soens, and Gerald Stouvenel. Please see the attached chart for more information. A revised list has been posted on the Diocese's website: www.davenportdiocese.org

Msgr. Drake Shafer has been found not guilty of sexually abusing a minor by an independent three-judge panel of canon (Church) lawyers and confirmed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican. Msgr Shafer has been restored to active ministry and is awaiting assignment from Most. Rev. Martin Amos, Bishop of Davenport. The Diocese of Davenport will make every attempt to ensure that Msgr. Shafer's good reputation is restored in accordance with article 5 of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. "If the allegation is not proven, every step possible is to be taken to restore his good name, should it have been harmed." More information is available in a separate release, posted on the Diocese's website.

The Review Board recently found that allegations that Father Gerald Stouvenel sexually abused three male minors in the 1970's are credible. Bishop Amos sent the case to the Vatican in compliance with the laws of the Church for direction and handling of the matter. The Vatican has ordered Rev. Stouvenel to lead a life of prayer and penance. The Vatican determined that Rev. Stouvenel has cooperated actively with the ecclesiastical authorities and has led an exemplary priestly ministry over the past thirty years. Considering also the fact that he is presently living and assisting in a home for retired priests, the Vatican arrived at the conclusion that dismissal from the clerical state is not warranted in this case. Father Stouvenel will continue to reside at the headquarters of the Diocese and a monitoring program has been implemented.

The Review Board found that certain allegations of sexual abuse against Retired Bishop Lawrence Soens are credible. Then-Father Soens was accused of sexually abusing students at Iowa City Regina High School in the 1950's and 1960's when he was its Principal. He was also accused of sexually abusing a male minor when he was rector of St. Ambrose Seminary. The Review Board did not review all of the allegations against him because some claimants did not want their claims reviewed by the Board.

The Review Board has found that allegations of sexual abuse made against Father Martin Diamond are not credible. Father Diamond was accused of sexually abusing two male minors over 30 years ago. The Board reviewed testimony and medical records that were obtained during previous litigation against the Diocese. Information in the medical records contradicted the claims that Father Diamond was their abuser. Father Diamond passed away June 11, 1989. Because a deceased clergy cannot defend himself, allegations must be proved by "clear and convincing evidence". The Board determined that the evidence did not meet that standard.

Most of the cases have been heard by the Review Board. The Board is continuing to review some allegations that were first made in the bankruptcy process.