Davenport priests reach out to those harmed by clergy sex abuse

Published: 2004-02-10

DAVENPORT, Iowa (CNS) -- Representatives of the priests of the Davenport Diocese have issued a public apology to all who have been harmed because of sexual abuse by priests. In addition, the priests' council will devote the diocese's spring convocation for priests to presentations by abuse victims and health care professionals. A statement approved at a recent meeting said the council is "aware of the hideous nature of sexual abuse by priests whenever or wherever it occurs. Such acts are a gigantic betrayal of trust and cause unimaginable pain -- physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual -- to those victimized." It continued, "Therefore, let it be known that we, representatives of the priests of the Davenport Diocese, apologize to, empathize with, and continue to pray for all who have been so badly harmed by those in whom they should have had every reason to trust." In a second statement, the council said it would change the proposed agenda for the spring priests' convocation to one focused on the problem of sex abuse so that the priests' apology to victims and prayers and concern for them "would be sincere and better informed."

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .