Soens Says Davenport Diocese Abandoned Him to Save Itself, KTIV-TV

Soens Says Davenport Diocese Abandoned Him to Save Itself

KTIV-TV - NBC4
February 4, 2008

http://www.ktiv.com/News/index.php?ID=22138

The attorney for a former bishop of the Sioux City Catholic Diocese says the Catholic Diocese of Davenport abandoned Lawrence Soens to save itself in its bankruptcy case.

Lawrence Soens is the only priest mentioned, by name, in documents filed Thursday as part of the Davenport Diocese's bankruptcy reorganization plan. The $37-million settlement included 18 "non-monetary" terms demanding the diocese acknowledge and apologize for abuse by its clergy.

Accusations of sexual abuse stem from former Sioux City Bishop Lawrence Soens' time as principal at Iowa City Regina high school from 1959 to 1967.

One item requires the diocese to issue a report on Soens actions, while he was the principal at Iowa City Regina high school from 1959 to 1967. This follows a 2002 investigation, which concluded Soens' actions were not "sexual in nature." Soens' attorney, Tim Bottaro of Sioux City, told the Cedar Rapids Gazette newspaper, "quote "to protect their own interest, to throw my guy out, is, I think, shocking and irresponsible."

A spokesperson for the Davenport Diocese said the diocese has sent reports in the past... and will continue to do so as it uncovers new information, as happened during the bankruptcy case. "I think the plan is just putting into writing what we do as part of our normal procedure," he said.

13 different men accuse Soens pinching their nipples-- an act called "purpling"-- or rubbing their "private parts". Still, Soens has never been charged with a crime. And, no accusations have ever come from his time as bishop of the Sioux City Diocese. Soens maintains his innocence.

Soens maintains his innocence. He's now in his 80's, living in Sioux City. He's removed himself from public ministry.