DAVENPORT (IA)
Quad-Cities Online
By Dawn Neuses, dneuses@qconline.com
A visual sign of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport's commitment to victims of clergy sexual abuse is in place today after a Millstone Marker was dedicated Monday.
About 50 diocese supporters, as well as sexual-abuse victims, attended the ceremony at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. Not everyone was happy with the event; one victim even likened it to a publicity stunt.
The heavy, circular stone marker was created by the Diocese of Davenport as part of the non-monetary settlement agreement between the diocese and a group of abuse victims. According to the diocese, the marker is a reminder of its commitment to protect God's children, and symbolizes the diocese's respect for the victims who were abused, and its commitment to their healing.
The Most Rev. William Franklin, Bishop of Davenport, was the celebrant of the service. During his homily, he said it is sad that young people have been wounded by those who have a vocation to instruct and to help.