We all so much want the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church to be over. Sadly, it is not. More cases of abuse continue to come to light in our Diocese, and the journey of healing is life-long for anyone molested as a child. This is, of course, especially true when the abuse occurred in the context of one’s religious community. And tragically, many survivors continue to feel betrayed by the current responses of the hierarchy that fostered and covered up their abuse in the first place.

Concerned Catholics of the Davenport Diocese is a grassroots network of laity and clergy from about a dozen parishes who came together in the fall of 2004 to offer a safe haven to survivors, to seek accountability on the part of our Diocese and to promote needed church reform in the face of this crisis. We compiled this booklet as one step along the path toward hope and understanding.

While we could not afford to print the narratives of everyone who has an important story to tell, here, in survivors’ own words, are some accounts of the abuse people suffered and its effect on their own and their families’ lives. Telling one’s story is an important part of healing from abuse. So we share these chronicles with you as a way of honoring and, hopefully, offering meaningful assistance to survivors.

But we also offer it for the sake of those of us sitting in the pews and for the whole Church. As the Living Body of Christ it is important that we receive these words, believe them even when the truth hurts, and respond with compassion and justice. Otherwise, we turn our backs on the Christ who would lead us through this valley of death to new life.

We have also listed all the names we know of priests against whom credible allegations of abuse have been made in the Davenport Diocese. Sadly, however, the Diocese continues to withhold the identities of deceased priests even when they acknowledge credible claims against them. Hearing that one is not the only victim of an abuser is often a catalyst for survivors to seek justice and aid in their healing. We hope that any victims who’ve not yet sought help will be encouraged to do so by realizing that you are not alone. This booklet lists contact information that can lead you to various services.

While all the stories here are about young boys abused by priests, we need to remember that young girls are also molested and that others in ministerial roles also abuse, including nuns. It is also true that adult men and women are harmed by inherently unethical sexual relationships with their ministerial personnel. Again, we encourage people who have been hurt to seek whatever redress they need, both for their own well-being and for the sake of the Church.

While these continue to be difficult times in our Church, we are indeed graced by new life through Christ. We hope the scripture and prayers included here will bring us solace in our pain and inspire us to work toward wholeness and holiness, personally and as Church.

So, we offer these stories, which we know are difficult to read, in the Spirit of Truth and Love. We welcome your comments and invite your participation in Concerned Catholics’ monthly gatherings and special events. We hope you will reflect on these stories of abuse and the actions of our Church and prayerfully consider how God calls you to respond.