Frequently Requested Documents

Diocesan archives contain many documents that offer general insight into the sexual abuse crisis and the bishops' involvement.

Future Iowa Bishop Will Conceal Janssen

In this document, the chancellor of the Davenport IA diocese swears to keep the facts of Rev. James Janssen's case secret. A sexual correspondence between Janssen and a boy had recently been discovered by the boy's mother and reported to Janssen's bishop, Ralph Hayes. The priest had recently been suspended by Hayes, and the latest offense had occurred during that suspension. Nevertheless, Janssen was soon returned to active duty, and another priest mentioned in the correspondence, Rev. Bass, was promoted to Vocations Director. Dingman's silence enabled Janssen to abuse many other boys during the next 35 years of his career.