Diocese bankruptcy case to remain open

By Ann McGlynn | Saturday, July 5, 2008 10:42 PM CDT | (1) comments
The bankruptcy case of the Diocese of Davenport will not be closed until the diocese submits three annual reports on the progress of nonmonetary promises made in the bankruptcy settlement.

Judge Lee Jackwig ruled that the reports are required for her to close the case. The final report must be submitted by May 2011.

Meanwhile, the diocese continues work on the 18 provisions, officials said.

It sent a report concerning now-retired Bishop Lawrence Soens, who is predominantly accused of abusing boys while he worked at Regina High School in Iowa City, to the highest Catholic office in the United States, the Apostolic Nuncio. Diocesan officials declined to comment on what the report says. The attorney for Soens, who served as bishop in Sioux City and lives there, could not be reached for comment.

The diocese also will release a list of accused clergy, including additional yet-unnamed clergy. Officials said they expect the list to be completed this fall and posted online at the diocese’s Web site.

However, an attorney for many of the sex abuse victims questions that timeline, saying it is supposed to be done within a month of what is called the “effective dateâ€