February 08, 2006

Bishop cleared in 2002 allegations

IOWA CITY (IA)
Gazette

Published: 02/08/2006 4:13 PM

By: Associated Press - Associated Press

IOWA CITY, IA - A Roman Catholic Church investigation into abuse allegations naming retired Bishop Lawrence Soens concluded that his behavior may have been inappropriate, but did not appear to be sexual in nature, according to court documents filed this week.

The allegations were made in April 2002 by a former student of Regina High School in Iowa City, where Soens, who retired as bishop in 1998, served as principal from 1958 to 1967.

Bishop William Franklin of the Davenport Diocese, after consulting with Dubuque Archbishop Jerome Hanus, appointed a team of church officials to investigate.

The team's confidential report and a letter to Soens from a high ranking diocese official summarizing the allegations were attached to a motion filed Monday in Scott County District Court.

Posted by kshaw at February 8, 2006 05:50 PM