Bishop?s statement on Father McFadden - June 27, 2002 Page eta, .. Hereafter the Diocese of??i'oux Archives Airs. eigenstates Archives Posted June 27, 2002 The Diocese of Sioux City is deeply saddened by the recent allegations surrounding Father George McFadden. Compassion and healing for anyone who has been abused continues to be the overriding concern of the church. As it relates specifically to Father McFadden, we apologize for the decision that allowed him to continue his volunteer priestly duties at the Cathedral of the Epiphany even after he had been forced to retire. In hindsight, that was a mistake that we regret. In today's world, that mistake would not have been made. The diocese would reiterate that, as best as we can determine, the first knowledge of any misconduct on the part of Father McFadden was reported to us in 1991. Additionally, the first indication of issues at St. Francis came to the attention of the diocese in the form of a letter from a former parishioner in October of 2001. The diocesan review board, part of the Dallas Charter, will be convening shortly. This board, which will be primarily lay men and women, will assist the bishop in reviewing allegations made against priests paSt or present. In the same Dallas Charter, such a review can carry a recommendation for dismissal from the clerical state. 7 In addition, the diocese has contacted the Woodbury County Attorney?s office and has advised it that we will provide all information that they request. The; Diocese of Sioux City will also contact the appropriate authorities in any county where allegations have been made. Once again, the welfare and support of victims are our primary concerns. We underscore our sincere desire in having any victim of abuse at the hands of clergy to report it to the diocese. We will work with victims to deal with these issues and begin the lath? Urethra} inolnhp khan t: wanna I Bishop's statement on Father McFadden June 27, 2002 Page 2 of 2 hea?ng. These are difficult times for people of faith The diocese acknowledges its errors and is Entent on creating an environment that is intolerant of this shameful conduct. Sincerely yours in Christ, +MestRev. Daniel N. Bi?Nardo Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City 'l a 1 1 1 (Inn-Hanna. McFadden prohibited from calling himself priest By Bret Hamid Junmal staff writgr? .. 7 Having previously been sus- pended from priestly activities, former Sioux City Diocese priest George McFadden has now been prohibited by the Vatican from presenting him-? self as a priest. McFadden has been named in approximately 25 sexual abuse lawsuits over the past few years for activities dating back to the 1960s. A Sioux City Diocese priest since 1952, McFadden?s cases of clergy sexual abuse were reviewed by Vatican offi- cials, and on Friday the diocese learned a decision on his status as a priest was reached. Jim Wharton, diocese direc- tor of communication, ex? plained McFadden, 80, has re- ceived the penalty of living the remainder of his life in prayer and penance. Under terms of the Vatican decree from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, McFadden is pro- hibited from performing public ministry, presenting himself as a priest or having unsupervised contact with minors. In a statement, Diocese ad? ministrator Monsignor Roger Augustine said, ?The last few, years have been very difficult for everyone involved in this matter. 1 reiterate my sincerest apology to those who were vic- timized by McFadden, and ask the people of the Diocese of Sioux City to continue to pray for the healing of all involved.? Many of the people McFad- den abused in Sioux City and other NorthWest Iowa parishes are now in middle age, having been abused as children 35 to 40 years ago. The diocese has settled 22 lawsuits concerning McFadden through July 2005. Among them were I an McHale, who claimed in an April 2004 lawsuit that McFad- den had sexual contact with her in the 1960s when she was under 10 and he was pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Sioux City. McHale alleged the abuse occurred when she was asked to perform tasks in the rectory and church. Several other persons filed abuse claims covering acts that occurred when McFadden was at St. Francis of Assisi, now closed. Thirteen months ago, lawsuits ?led by John Doe II and John Doe alleged that McFadden had inappropriate. sexual contact with them as young boys at St. Francis of As? srs1. When five April 2004 law- suits were filed by persons who were under age 12 when they were abused, the plaintiffs al? leged the diocese knew of the allegations, but covered up Mc? Fadden?s actions. ?These peo- ple are disillusioned,? attorney R. Scott Rhinehart said. ?They hoped the church would do something.? .In a Diocese Review Board report released in February, the diocese had settled sexual abuse claims in 2004 for $805,000, with 60 percent of those cests being paid the by the diocese?s insurance carrier. McFadden paid 5 percent of the remaining costs and the diocese used unrestricted endowment funds and estate gifts to pay the other 35 percent. The costs of this year?s settlements are ex? pected to be contained in next year?s report. McFadden now lives outside Iowa. Dec. 24, 2005' a - per Iowa Depends Upon a Price 50 Cents HARRY REGJSTEH rests supporters in Davenport on Thursday. Behind him, at left, is Kristen Breitweiser cold, died in on Sept. 11, 2601, in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Breibneiser town hard on Bush on Thursday for what he called a postwar ?mess? in Iraq. lemocrat?harpens his orbs during Iowa visit 3y THOMAS BEAUMONT REGISTER STAFF WRITER 2avenport, Ia. Demo- ic vice presidential nomi- John Edwards, cam? going Thursday in sworn a, ieveled his harshest trim to date at President his handling of the war in g, calling the adrm'nistra? ?incompetent.? Eoorge Bush made this s. and he can't fix it.? iwards told more than 800 pporters in Davenport. The fresh attack came as esidcnt Emil was ioined in interim leader, who said US. efforts were ?succeeding? and painted a hopeful picture of postwar Iraq. Democratic presidentiai nominee John Kerry, speaking Monday in New York, laid out an alter? native to Bush?s strategy for postwar Iraq. Laryngitis forced Kerry: Wednesday to cancel his I . W3 trip and a speecll in Obi . HP. kent a tighter mmpnig schedule to rest his voice ft - the first of three presidenti . debates next week. Inside STUDY1A pro-Republican notified group dumped nearly, $2 militoo into TV ads in lowa during a 15-day period in late August and early September. KERRY: Sen. John Kerry says a socech by lraq's interim leader contradicts reality in lraq. BUSH: President Bush seeks to explain earlier remarks on terrorist numbers and intelligence estimates. Articles. Page 2A (In mam . Go to potitlcs for expanded coverage of the crestdential campaign, including articles. Register political columnists, etection issues, volers? voices and more. may rise inside 9 ALLAWE: iraq?s interim leader is greeted warmiy in Washington. us. forces attack insurgents in slum; top Shiite cieric urges on-timc elections. 9 HDSTABES: Brother oi hostage says US. is sabotaging efforts to save his life. Articles. Page 3A FRIDAY Sentemcar 24, 2094 James Jonssen of the Davenport Catholic Diocese is believed to be the first Iowan to have been defrocked. By SHIRLEY HEGFSTER EDHOR Pope John Paul II has dis- missed James from the priesthood, the Catholic Church?s most severe punish- ment, after decades of nilega? tions that nulli?ed boys in southeast Iowa. Janssen,whoseallegedabuse was kept secret by church of? ficials for more than?t?years, is named as a moiester in nine lawmits in Iowa and one in California, making him the most-acmed priest in the Davenport Catholic Diocese?s child sexuai abuse scandal. - it is believed to be the first involuntary defrocking called laicization of an icwa priest. According to diocese spokosmen, a number of priests have agreed to removal from the priesthood in each of Iowa's four dioceses, but generaliy because of a crisis in faith and not for wrongdoing. Jansson is among fewer than 100 orients nationwide to have been dcfrockcd by the Vatican since allegations of sex abuse and church coverups emerged in Boston in 2062 and spread across the country. At least 10 other Iowa priests have been recommended to the Vatican for loicization. Davenport Bishop William Franklin annooncod Thursday that he received notification Mondav from the Vatican that Janssen had been dismissed from the priesthood. Jonssen did not have a trial and has no right of appeal. again express deep sorrow and apoiogy for all who have been harmed,? Franklin said Thursday. continue to pray for healing and hope that our request and the Hoiy Father?s decision will help facilitate the healing process.? Jansson, 82, is accused in the of molesting boys at various parishes in the nearly, four docadeshewasapriestiie retiredin 1991. in 1996, Franklin barred him from any public church activity. In February of this year, Franklin accepted the of a diocese review board and requested of the Vatican that Janssen be See Page 4A James Janssen He is involuntarily dismissed from the priesthood by Pope John Paul ii foltcwing allegations that he molested children in; decades. Insole Find a list of Janssen's assignments around the state from $948 to 1991, as well as a tally of other Iowa priests recommended for Page [in the Web Go to Bestltoioes religion to ?nd: a An lcwa timeline of events in the Catholic church?s abuse scandal. 0 An archive of artistes about the scandal in the Davenport diocese. pinyin Deadwood and enjoy great greet?lood in the - - in tics . . . . 1,3 oldie Bison, garden-plus $200 in meow: entertainment coupons. - Calf 1-800v229-9019 or visit cl ginning and IEART OF DEADWOOD PACKAGE debit or; sonny blur Thursday Illnitii How wild is the West? Come to Deadwood this or: and sec for yourself. luciuclcs two nights at the Bullock Express (upgrades available}, coupons for two breakfasts and dinners, plus other great gaming, local and drink coupons. . Call l?800-229-9019 or visit TraveiSD.com not so in. Deadwood:- soothe - JAHSSEH, from Page 1A removed from the priesthood. Craig Levien, the Davenport at? torney who represents 20 of lens. son?s alleged victimsincouxt endin mediation, said his clients are grateful for the ?symbolic gesture? of "but unfortunately it came 45 years too late to have protected them from his abuse.? ?i believe (Janssen?s defrocking) proves the pope was convinced Jenssen is a serial pedophile and should be punished,? Levien said. ?Andi see no reason why the did cese wouid not now accept full for these acts, now that they ?ve thrown him out of the priesthood." . The church has resisted the. ?lawsuits, saying that the claims ere many year I have said that the vigor. one defense is necessary to fight for the financial survival of the diocese. Since the pope?s decree, Janssen is considered to he a laymen. He will continue to iive at St. Vincent?s Center in Davenport, a pricsts? retirement home, where he will pay rent. He does not receive any finan~ ciai assistance from the diocese, and it cannot legally interfere with any retirement benefits Janssen may otherwise receive. Nor can the diocese force him to iive in any treatment facility or even at St. Vincent's, according to David Montgomery. diocese sgmhesman. Wonio said: ?Peopie keep ask- ing, ?What are you gong to do with this guy?? but it is an insoluble problem. If we throw him out on the street, where does he go to live? Would people prefer he live . next door to a preschool? We can?t force him to . - Victim advocates. said they wolf-f loomed _Janssen?s .defroclting bu James Janssen?s assignments T0 AUGUST 1948: St. Bridget parish, Victor. SEPTEMBER 1943 To MAY t953: St. Paul parish, Burlington. MAY 1958 Tu JULY1953: St. lrenaeus, Clinton. JULY i0 AHGUST 1953: St. Joseph parish, East Pleasant Plain. AUGUST ?l9 DECEMBER 1.953: Leave of absence. DECEMBER 19?3 To NOVEMBER 1956: Sacred Heart men, Newton. NBVEMBER 1&56 TD JHNE 1558: Leave of absencelsuspensloo. Attended Loyola University, Chicago. JULY TD SEPTEMBEH195B: St. Midlael parish, Holbroolt. SEPTEMBER 1958 i0 JAMUARY ?3959: Leave of absence/suspension. JANUARY TO .ltll?lE 1959: St. Patrick garish, Delmar. sous 1959 to .1qu 1951: sf. Mary parish, Davenport. . "Justice: to steamy-19st: Joseph parish; Fort Madison. stencils freer reunions-1'97 s: oseph parish. Shoat, "?randMouml. I, - northern 1991: Retirement. were not totally satisfied with the ponisiunent. ?While for grateful this step has been taken, Jameson still needs to he held iegaily accountable, as do the church leaders who shielded, transferred and covered up for him,? said David Clohessy, execs. tive director of the Survivor's Network of those Abused by Priests. always hope that something like this eases the burden on vic- tims and their families and makes it a Iittle tougher for abuser priests to get access. to more children,? Clohessy said. ?Janssenwon?tbeon the Iowa sex offender list, even . though he was among the very worst in the state. The ultimate goal isto get him behind bars, know kids -. . . The abuse scandai,_which began site not: teats of some health more than two years ago in the Boston Archdiocese, uncovered cases of child sexual abuse by clergy in neariy every Catholic di- ocese in the nation. in response to the growing pub lic outcry, the US. Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted new pol- icies that promised new openness in handling abuse aliegations. It put in place a zeroiolerance policy under which any cleric found to have molested a child would be removed from his ministry and couid lose his ordination entirely. All dioceses in the nation adopt- ed ?safe environment? programs that instructed young pe0ple and church employees about personai boundaries and how to detect abuse. .- Inf-Febmary,githe hishopsre- eased ofsexuai Iowa priests recommended for delreoklng DES Three priests . Albert Wllwerdino, 73; John Ryan, 79; and Richard Wagner, 68. All have agreed not to contest the action. DAVENPORT Five priests - Francis Bass, 82; James Janssen, - 82; Frank Martinez Jr., 55; William F. - Wiehlet, 76; and Richard Poster, 39. in court records, all have denied the accusations against them. Sioux our Two priests, i, whom diocesan of?cials will not . name puhliciy. DUBUOBE Church of?cials won?t say how many priests I -'heve been recommended for .. defrosting. ln December, the archdiocese reported allegations of -- ., sexualmisconduct against 25 j} .. (?unnamed priests, eight of whom are living. {it those eight, the? diocese said. one was ?dismissed from the . clerical slate,? five are ol advanced . age, one served prison time and icon - - oaroic, and one was removed from all '7 pastoraiduties. - . . abuse in the church that found that 4,392 priests 4 percent of 3.1% clerics had allegedly abused 30,667 minors since 3950. The report blamed bishops who, sooght to protect the reputation of the church and the careers of priests and failed to remove ?ahus- ers or report them to law enforce men: officials. Additionally, the study said bishops used unquali?ed treatment centers for molester priests and exhibited a to forgive the abosers without punishment. Janssen was suspended by the di- ocese and Eater reassigned to per? ishes where he worked with children. Religion nationals can be reached at (515) or