Saints Philip and James Church in Grand Mound IA The parish of Sts. Philip and James in Grand Mound has responded to the Davenport abuse crisis more actively than any other church in the diocese. Fr. James Janssen was pastor there in the 1980s (his final parish), while he was also diocesan chaplain of the Boy Scouts. The parish has mobilized to support parishioner Donald Green, who has filed suit against Janssen and the diocese for abuse.

The parish council of Sts. Philip and James exchanged public letters with Bishop Franklin in early 2004, and the bishop visited the church during that dialogue. The parish also hosts a Spiritual Healing Team, which has organized support for survivors during court appearances and is also planning a Healing Mass. Below are links to the letters and to articles about the parish's role in the crisis.


Exchange of Letters and Selected Articles about the Parish

* Letter from the Parish Council to Bishop Franklin (January 19, 2004)
* Bishop Franklin's Reply (January 31, 2004)

* History of the Spiritual Healing Team (by its members, August 11, 2004)

* Parish Letter Seeks Healing for Victims and Church (January 24, 2004)
* Parish Acts to Remove Pain Left by Abuse (January 24, 2004)
* Parish Letter Opens Bishop's Eyes to "Real Tragedy" (January 28, 2004)
* Accuser Takes Aim at Bishop Letter/Response (February 3, 2004)
* Team Strives to Stop the Hurting from Abuse by Priests (July 28, 2004)
* GM Spiritual Healing Team Calls for Accountability from Diocese (August 18, 2004)


Other Documents

* Bishop Franklin's Report, Including Summary of Janssen at Sts. Philip and James (February 25, 2004)

* Bishop Must Make Actions Match Words (Green Family in DeWitt Observer, May 15, 2004)


Diocesan Documents on Janssen's 1990 Departure from Sts. Philip and James

* Memo from Fr. McAleer That Prompted Janssen's Removal from Sts. Philip and James (July 23 1990; made public May 14, 2004)
* Bishop O'Keefe's Letter Accepting Janssen's Resignation as Diocesan Chaplain for Scouting (July 31, 1990; made public May 14, 2004)
* Fr. Janssen to Take a Leave, Fr. Page Is Scout Chaplain (Catholic Messenger, August 23, 1990)


Donald Green's Suit

* Donald Green's Suit v. Janssen and the Diocese (November 17, 2004)

* DeWitt Man Files Suit Against Priest, Church (November 18, 2003)
* 7th Suit Filed Against Diocese (November 19, 2003)