Des Moines Register [Davenport IA]
February 1, 2007
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070201/OPINION04/702010371/1035/OPINION
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It was recently reported that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport has extended for another four years its pledge to local authorities to report allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy.
On Jan. 11, church officials announced the extension of a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by Bishop Martin Amos and Scott County Prosecutor William Davis. The pledge states the diocese will report allegations against living priests without prior screening by church officials.
One wonders if the head of the Davenport school district signs a similar pledge to report allegations of child abuse by their employees. How about the heads of the various social-service systems, health-care facilities or other professionals who regularly come into contact with children? The answer is no, these professionals do not sign agreements with the county attorney because they are all mandatory reporters of child abuse. They have no choice but to do the right thing or face the consequences of not obeying the law.
In Iowa, clergy members are not included in the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse. Given recent history, this group most definitely should be included, as clergy members are in 21 other states.
- Steve Theisen, director, Iowa SNAP, Hudson.
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