A Critique of the Franklin Report On February 25, 2004, Bishop William E. Franklin issued a report on the Davenport crisis, and his "transparency and openness" were hailed as a positive development. But a close analysis reveals many apparent errors and omissions in the bishop's account. What do these problems say about the diocese's management of the abusers in its midst? And in light of the questions we raise, how is the diocese likely to approach the rigors of bankruptcy and the jury trials that will surely come?

We have checked the Franklin report against other sources of information about the diocese, especially its own documents and the standard work on the subject, the Official Catholic Directory. We have found many surprising discrepancies. Instead of explaining these inconsistencies, we have tried to present them clearly for your evaluation in the pages that follow. Below we reproduce a full text of the Franklin report, with omissions added in red for your review. We have also supplied commentary in red when it appears that the Franklin report is in error. The problems fall into five groups (you may click on the highlighted title to go to the relevant section of the Franklin report):

	•	John Jay Issues - Like many other "diocesan John Jay reports," the Franklin report names only some of the accused priests in the diocese, and its statistics on priests and abuse costs are limited. We provide some other reports for comparison.
	•	Limits of the Investigation - The Franklin report explains that "it is impossible to confirm or refute many of the allegations due to the death of clergy and the unavailability of witnesses." But it does not explain that the diocese's own policies have contributed to this result. We offer a summary.
	•	List of Allegations - The Franklin report withholds the names of some accused priests (even some whose names have been made public) and it compounds the problem of unnamed priests by giving partial information about the accused, thereby causing suspicion regarding priests who are innocent.
	•	Action Regarding Certain Priests - The Franklin report gives accounts of the five priests whom the diocese has asked the Pope to laicize. These accounts unfortunately misquote diocesan documents and leave out pertinent information. Important accused priests like Rev. Theodore Anthony Geerts are not discussed in this section. Yet Geerts is alleged to have had many victims, and there are many mysteries about the diocese's management of his case.
	•	Assignments - The Franklin report gives assignment records for the five accused priests whom it has asked the Pope to laicize. These records are inaccurate in surprising and possibly significant ways, especially as regards the priests' assignments in other dioceses and their recent histories. We note the problems, and we also provide detailed assignment records of our own for all the accused priests whose names are public, not just the five who are to be laicized.

 

Diocese of Davenport WALKING TOGETHER IN FAITH

News For Immediate Release

News Conference Schedule

Wednesday, February 25, 2004, 11 a.m.
Diocese of Davenport
2706 North Gaines Street
Davenport, Iowa

1. Welcome and Introduction - Deacon David Montgomery, Diocesan Spokesperson

2. Statement from Most Rev. William E. Franklin, Bishop of Davenport

3. Statement from Ms. Chris McCormick Pries, Diocesan Review Board

4. Introduction of members of the panel for questions– Dc. David Montgomery (please note – the panel will respond to questions instead of holding individual interviews)

February 25, 2004

To the People of the Diocese of Davenport:

The Catholic Church is in the midst of a crisis that must be dealt with compassionately, fairly and honorably. The Davenport Diocese is attempting to do so; and, in this report, I will attempt to apprise you of our efforts in this regard. This is a painful and difficult communication but one that must occur in the interest of transparency and openness. Today’s situation across the country is sad and sorrowful. My presentation is incomplete because I cannot speak for the victims as I do not have personal knowledge of each allegation and as each individual has separate wounds and pain.

Imperfect though it may be, I will speak to the victims. I am sorry for any pain, agony and suffering caused by any action of any priest you trusted and wanted to trust. Whatever happened should never have happened. It was not your fault. I also humbly apologize for any shortcomings and misunderstandings that may have occurred when some of you came forward to report abuse. I ask God to give all of us the compassion, the wisdom and the energy to live and to treat all as his beloved children.

I hope this information presented will be a sign of our effort in the Diocese to provide help in ongoing recovery. I also hope that the actions we are taking will be a sign of our commitment to the policy that no priest or deacon of the Diocese of Davenport will remain in public ministry if there is reasonable cause to believe that the priest or deacon abused a minor at any time.

Under the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People approved by the United States Bishops in 2002, the penalty for a finding of sexual abuse is permanent removal from ministry. Only Rome has the authority to laicize or to defrock a priest. Information is being presented to the Vatican for their judgment in making the final decision. The Diocesan Review Board has recommended that I request the Vatican to laicize (defrock) five priests. They are: James Janssen, Francis Bass, Frank Martinez, William Wiebler and Richard Poster. I have accepted these recommendations, and the requests are being sent to the Vatican.

Part of this report is history, but it is more than history, it is also about people and resources and programs that provide special ongoing help. I fervently hope that programs such as Protecting God’s Children will help us protect our children now and in the future. Protecting God’s Children is the call for all who teach and minister in the Church--the priests, religious, teachers, volunteers in the classroom, religious education and social activities.

The Diocese has reviewed the records of clergy serving the Diocese for the past 50 years, well over 600 in number. From this review, information concerning the numbers of abuse allegations and clergy involved was obtained. This information will be presented in a Report being issued today.

What Our Diocese Has Done and Will Continue to Do:

The Diocese of Davenport will continue to comply with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

• Zero-Tolerance: No Diocesan priest or deacon can remain in public ministry if there is reasonable cause to believe the priest or deacon sexually abused a minor at any time. No priest or deacon reasonably believed to have sexually abused a minor will be transferred for ministerial assignment into, out of or within the Diocese.

• Prevention: All priests and deacons, all candidates for ordination, every staff member and those volunteers who have regular contact with children are required to complete the Protecting God’s Children training program. So far, over 4,000 people in the Diocese have received training. Those working on a regular basis with children are required to have a criminal background check by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Over 2,000 checks have been done so far. Diocesan policy has been revised and updated with new protocols for all clergy, staff and volunteers to follow when they are with minors. There is prevention in awareness.

• Investigations: All allegations of child sexual abuse are investigated. The Diocese has retained James M. Sweeney of James M. Sweeney & Associates, Inc. as an outside investigator. All allegations involving a minor and within the criminal statute of limitations are immediately referred to the local law enforcement agency. Of course, the victim is always free to report directly to law enforcement.

• Public Outreach: I have gone to parishes and met with victims. I will continue to do so. I welcome visits by victims. The Diocese has and will continue to furnish counseling and spiritual direction to those in need. I have published the policies followed by the Diocese through the diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Messenger; through the Diocesan website, www.davenportdiocese.org; and through media releases broadcast throughout the Diocese to encourage any victim of sexual abuse by a Catholic cleric to come forward for assistance. I have put copies of my policies in every parish and have invited all adults to attend the Protecting God’s Children program.

• Victim Assistance Coordinator: In 2002, I appointed Irene Prior Loftus, Chancellor, to be the first point of contact for victims to report abuse and seek assistance. In order to enhance our resources in this area and to shift this responsibility to an independent resource, the Diocese is now using the services of Thomas Crowley, the new Victim Assistance Coordinator. Victims are asked to call Tom Crowley any time at 563-349-5002 or contact him by e-mail: vacdav@attglobal.net or mail at P. O. Box 232, Bettendorf, IA 52722-0004.

• Diocesan Review Board: The Diocesan Review Board reviews the investigation results of sexual abuse allegations. The Board makes recommendations to me on appropriate action and the suitability of individuals for continuation in ministry and reviews related diocesan policies.

• Pending Litigation and Claims: I would like to personally meet with anyone who has been injured by a priest in our diocese. The Diocese of Davenport, with the assistance of its insurers, will also strive to resolve pending litigation and claims fairly and honorably. The Diocese is willing to enter into non-binding mediation for those interested in attempting to privately resolve claims free from time-consuming and expensive litigation.

What Our Diocese Will Do Next:

I am committed to working with the faithful to facilitate parish meetings and to establish support groups where appropriate. I have already contacted professionals to assist me in these tasks.

With the priests of the Diocese, I will devote this year’s Spring Priest Convocation in March to presentations by abuse victims and health care professionals regarding the issue. In connection with this convocation, we anticipate a Mass for Healing.

I apologize for any harm resulting from sexual abuse by clergy. As Bishop of the Diocese of Davenport, together with our clergy, I truly pray for the victims and families who have been so sadly hurt. I pray for the much-needed healing in our Church and work toward that end. Ultimately, it is by working together, in union with God's grace that we will be able to move forward in the years to come.

May God’s grace and strength be with all victims. May that same strength be with their families. I’m sorry for any suffering you experienced and continue to experience because of betrayed trust. If you wish to visit, a phone call or letter to Tom Crowley or to me can help set a time and place.

May what we do now, in union with God’s help, protect all of our children now and in the years to come.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

(Most Rev.) William E. Franklin,
Bishop of Davenport

A Historical Accounting of Clergy Sexual Abuse of Minors

and Action Taken Regarding Certain Priests

A Report by

Most Rev. Wm. E. Franklin

Bishop of Davenport

NOTE
Information added by BishopAccountability.org
is displayed in red and linked to other relevant diocesan documents.

INTRODUCTION

We have recently completed an investigation of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests and deacons. The records of over 600 clergy serving in the Diocese for the past 50 years (1950 to date) have been reviewed. From this review, information concerning the numbers of abuse allegations and clergy involved was obtained. This information will be presented in this Report. In addition, the Diocesan Review Board has considered several cases and has made recommendations to me regarding certain priests.

Under the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People approved by the bishops in 2002, the penalty for a finding of sexual abuse is permanent removal from ministry. Only Rome has the authority to laicize or to defrock a priest. The Review Board has recommended that I request the Vatican to laicize (defrock) five priests. They are: James Janssen, Francis Bass, Frank Martinez, William Wiebler and Richard Poster. I have accepted these recommendations, and the requests are being sent to the Vatican.

HISTORICAL ACCOUNTING

The Diocese has used a variety of information sources to attempt to determine the total number of sexual abuse allegations against clergy for the past 50 years (1950 to date). Those sources include a review of Diocesan records of priests and deacons who have served the Diocese. Also reviewed were allegations made in lawsuits and reports by individuals who have come forward with information.

Results of the Investigation

Based on this information, 65* individuals have made allegations of sexual abuse against priests serving in this diocese. Twenty priests and two members of a lay group have been accused. Three priests account for 39* of the charges.

*These numbers cannot be exact because reports have mentioned that an unspecified number of “Others” were also abused. These other people may or may not have individually reported abuse. [end of note]

Note from BishopAccountability.org: The Franklin report is a "diocesan John Jay report" with a difference. All U.S. dioceses had been asked by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to search through their 1950-2002 abuse files; to fill out surveys about accused priests, victims, and the diocese itself; and to submit those completed surveys for use in the John Jay report on the "nature and scope" of the crisis. Most U.S. dioceses also released their John Jay information in a report of their own.

The Davenport diocese took an extremely unusual approach to this John Jay process, in two respects. 1) The diocese did not submit information to the John Jay team, because the diocese was under court order to preserve all its files, but the John Jay guidelines recommended that work sheets for the project be destroyed. Faced with these inconsistent mandates, so the diocese says, it chose not to submit completed surveys to the John Jay researchers. Davenport was one of only 3% of U.S. dioceses that did not return responses. (2) But Bishop Franklin did decide to issue a diocesan John Jay report.

The best diocesan John Jay reports separate the numbers for total priests and accused priests into diocesan, extern, and religious order categories, and provide detailed breakdowns of expenses.

The Franklin report approximates the total number of priests and offers no diocesan / extern / order breakdown, which unfortunately makes it impossible to calculate percentages. The report also names only priests who are already known, and doesn't even name all of those. It does not provide a complete breakdown of costs.

The diocesan John Jay reports in general have a clear public relations purpose, though they also have other values, in varying degrees. For comparison, we provide links to some other diocesan John Jay reports: Des Moines IA, Dubuque IA, Sioux City IA with follow-up press release, Boston MA, Fort Wayne-South Bend IN, Los Angeles CA, and Miami FL.

By far, most of the allegations refer to abuse in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Of those old incidents over half were reported since 2001. It is impossible to be exact in computing data because of the presence in several reports of an unspecified number of “Others.” Nevertheless, based upon the best information available, we present the following data.

The Diocese received these allegations of past abuse during the following time-periods: 57% were received since 2000, 24% in the 1990s, 6% in the 1980s, 10% in the 1970s, none in the 1960s, and 3% in the 1950s.

The occurrence of alleged abuse by decade is as follows: about 11% of the incidents were alleged to have occurred in the 1950s, 53% in the 1960s, 19% in the 1970s, 14% in the 1980s and 3% in the 1990s.

This accounting is based on our review of historical information up to 50 years old and older. We have done our best to make a full and fair accounting based on the information available to us today. It should be stated that it is impossible to confirm or refute many of the allegations due to the death of clergy and the unavailability of witnesses.

It should be noted that the "death of clergy and the unavailability of witnesses" are problems in Davenport because sexual abuse has been kept secret for so long in the diocese, instead of being dealt with as allegations were made. Indeed, reports of complaints (such as those by by a survivor in 1974 regarding Bass and by Bobbi R. Martin in 1983 regarding Janssen) seem to be missing from diocesan files, although we cannot be certain that these complaints are truly absent until the files are made public, as Judge C.H. Pelton has ordered. We might not be certain even then.

Bishop Franklin does not mention that some knowledgable clergy are still alive, but have not chosen to tell the truth. Vicar General Michael J. Morrissey lied in a 1992 sworn deposition, when he said (pp. 15-16) that he was not aware at the time of complaints against Janssen and Wiebler. In a 2004 deposition (p. 175), Morrissey admitted that his 1992 testimony had been untrue.

Another problem that Franklin and his critics face is the unusual condition of diocesan files. Chancellor Irene Prior Loftus is by canon law (c. 482 §1) the keeper of the diocesan archives; it is her "principal function." Yet she claims to have been unaware of the secret archives that are mandated (c. 489) by that law. Her story about discovering the secret archive containing documents on Janssen is difficult to reconcile with the law of the church, but it is consistent with a diocesan penchant for secrecy. Vicar General Morrissey lied under oath, Chancellor Dingman swore to keep Janssen's abuse secret, and Morrissey remarked to Bishop O'Keefe (after receiving a victim's complaint): "This memo should be sealed and put in Father Bass's file. If something else comes up, I don't think we can deny this phone call." After a 1996 allegation, Morrissey wrote to Janssen, "Both you and the Church are fortunate that this is not being pursued in a more public forum." The culture of the diocese seems to have been a secret one for quite some time.

The secret archive contained documents from the 1950s and very early 1960s, but nothing on Janssen after that. The diocese's lawyer says that this is because Bishop O'Keefe didn't keep paper as Bishop Hayes did. But O'Keefe filed compromising documents about Geerts in the 1990s, so why not about Janssen in the late 1960s and 1970s? Moreover, the Janssen files dry up in 1961, whereas Hayes remained in office until 1966.

The gap in the documents seems, however, to coincide with Rev. Francis E. Bass's long tenure (1958-73) as Diocesan Director of Vocations and as member of the Personnel Board. During this time, Janssen was rehabilitated at the Abbey of Our Lady of New Melleray in Dubuque and began to hold lengthy appointments at parishes, where he allegedly abused many boys. In the 1960s, when complaints vanish from the files, Janssen and Bass are alleged to have abused boys together and with other priests.

In what circumstances did Bass become the Diocesan Director of Vocations? On successive days, Bishop Hayes:
• Learned that Janssen and Bass were both connected to a Janssen victim (10/1/58);
• Made Bass the Director of Vocations (10/2/58); and
• Sent Janssen to the abbey (10/3/58).

That last event is back-dated in Janssen's official assignment record as presented below, but the correct date is preserved in Hayes's notes. It is to be hoped that the diocese will release its files on Bass, as Judge Pelton has ordered, so that these questions can be cleared up.

The Review Board recommendations concerning Fr. James Janssen, Fr. William Wiebler, Fr. Francis Bass, Fr. Frank Martinez and Fr. Richard Poster are discussed below.

The Diocese is also investigating allegations against other priests who are defendants in current litigation: Theodore Geerts (who left the Diocese without permission in 1969 and is living in a California nursing home), Msgr. Drake Shafer (who is on leave of absence), Fr. Louis Telegdy (a deceased order priest from the Society of Precious Blood) and Fr. Martin Diamond (also deceased).

The Review Board has considered the following allegations:

Finances

Through this entire period, two lawsuits were settled. One of the lawsuits was settled for $22,500. The other lawsuit involved two separate people who were bringing claims. Those claims were settled for $175,000 each. All of the claims were paid by insurers. Since 2003, the Diocese has spent over $50,000 for programs directly involving child safety.

ACTION REGARDING CERTAIN PRIESTS

James Janssen

Bishop Franklin neglects to mention the two warnings about Janssen received in 1948 from the rector and the director of students at Kenrick Seminary.

The case of James Janssen included an investigation of records dating back over 50 years. The procedure for dealing with sexual abuse allegations against priests has dramatically changed over the years in response to the increased level of awareness of the harm caused by the misconduct. In the 1950s and 1960s, sexual misconduct was perceived as a spiritual matter, a sin to be confessed with a penance to be performed. This is a demonstrably false description of perceptions at the time. In a 1961 letter, then-Chancellor Dingman writes to Bishop Hayes that a mother "might go to the Police and have action taken against Father Janssen." Clearly, the mother did not view this as a "spiritual matter." Nor did Hayes and Dingman. There was a general lack of understanding of pedophilia among professionals during that period. The causes, treatment and impact upon victims were little understood. Some priests were required to obtain psychological treatment or counseling, and dioceses were given recommendations by mental health professionals that the problem had been satisfactorily addressed and that priests could safely be returned to ministry. Regrettably, this procedure was followed in the 1950s and 1960s with Fr. Janssen. This is a false statement. Twice a "mental health professional" recommended to Bishop Hayes that Janssen have assigned to him a spiritual director. See next paragraph.

Diocesan records show that, in November 1956, Fr. Janssen was suspended by Bishop Ralph Hayes and placed on indefinite leave from his appointment as assistant pastor at Sacred Heart in Newton as a result of apparent sexual misconduct. During his suspension, he enrolled as a student at Loyola University and also received psychotherapy. In August 1957, a Loyola University doctor [he was a psychologist, not a psychiatrist] wrote to Bishop Hayes and advised him that Fr. Janssen "can become a very understanding and acceptable pastor…not likely to fall into [his] past errors." "However [the psychologist continued], and this is strongly emphasized, it is urgent and essential that he have assigned to him particularly, a mature, understanding, spiritual director; one who can act almost one would say, as a father figure. Also that he have regular and frequent contact with this director." Instead Bishop Hayes assigned Fr. Janssen [alone and unsupervised] as a substitute pastor at St. Michael Church, Holbrook, effective June 6, 1958. When the psychologist wrote Hayes again in August 1958 to ask whether Janssen had been assigned a spiritual director, Hayes replied, "I haven't assigned any particular priest as his spiritual director." In September 1958, Bishop Hayes received a report from the pastor at a church near Loyola University that Fr. Janssen had been involved in sexual misconduct. The priest was Rev. Martin A. Henehan, formerly administrator of St. Isaac Jogues in Hinsdale, in the Joliet diocese, and now pastor. Why didn't Franklin name the priest here? Hayes also received evidence from Henehan: sexually explicit letters {1} {2} between Janssen and his victim. Janssen's letter to his victim mentioned Rev. Francis E. Bass. Bishop Hayes again suspended Fr. Janssen, who went to the Abbey of Our Lady of New Melleray. In January 1959, the Abbot Rt. Rev. Dom Philip O'Connor, O.C.S.O. reported favorably to an inquiry by Bishop Hayes as to whether Fr. Janssen had made sufficient progress to warrant recalling him to the Diocese. Bishop Hayes then appointed Fr. Janssen temporary administrator of St. Patrick Church, Delmar, and in June 1959, as assistant at St. Mary Church, Davenport.

Diocesan records do not include specific reports of sexual misconduct at St. Mary Church, but there are complaints from parents of inappropriate behavior by Fr. Janssen with boys. This statement is misleading. In fact, particularly given Janssen's prior history, the evidence of sexual misconduct at St. Mary's is extensive and clear: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Fr. Janssen was assigned as assistant at St. Joseph Church, Ft. Madison, from 1961 to 1967 and as pastor at St. Joseph Church, Browns (Sugar Creek), from 1967 to 1979. After a brief tenure as co-pastor at St. Mary Church Davenport, Fr. Janssen was assigned as pastor of SS. Philip & James Church, Grand Mound, from 1980-1990. This is incorrect. As stated elsewhere in the Franklin report, Janssen was co-pastor for a year (10/11/79-10/21/80) not at St. Mary's but at St. Anthony's in Davenport (where the other and senior co-pastor was Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. Feeney, vicar general of the diocese).

From 1961 until 1988, Diocesan records show that no allegations of sexual abuse were made against Fr. Janssen. But the records should show that in the spring of 1983, Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Morrissey met with Ms. Bobbi R. Martin and two other parishioners of SS. Philip and James, who explained in detail that Janssen was showing pornographic movies to boys at the rectory. See Martin's affidavit. After allegations were made in 1988, an investigation by the Diocese uncovered credible allegations of sexual misconduct by Fr. Janssen while he was at Ft. Madison, Sugar Creek and Grand Mound. See Rev. McAleer's 1990 letter to Bishop O'Keefe. He was placed on indefinite leave of absence by Bishop Gerald O'Keefe on August 15, 1990 and was retired from active ministry effective November 5, 1991. Why the two-year delay between allegation and retirement?

After additional allegations of past sexual abuse were made, Fr. Janssen was ordered by me on April 1, 1996 to cease any public activity of a Church nature, including assistance he was providing at a hospital. All active priests in the Diocese were informed that Fr. Janssen was not available for any duties. Vicar General Morrissey conveyed the April 1, 1996 order to Janssen. Then a February 5, 1997 confidential letter from Franklin to Janssen listed priestly activities that were still permitted, including participation in priest gatherings, celebration of funeral Masses for priests and relatives, and special occasion requests, to be cleared through Rev. Drake R. Shafer with Bishop Franklin. At this time, Shafer was Vice President of University Ministry at St. Ambrose University. Shafer became vicar general in 2000 and is now suspended on a sexual abuse allegation.

On August 30, 2000, I issued a Precept, the strongest canonical action possible at that time, which bound Fr. Janssen with specific obligations: 1) To refrain from all contact with minors (under age 18); 2) To cease work in places of employment where contact with minors is likely to occur; 3) To further avoid all places and situations that, from past experience, have been occasions of serious temptation in the areas of sexual morality. Franklin issued this precept after an August 4, 2000 article appeared in the Quad-City Times, reporting that Janssen was lifeguarding and teaching at the pools in the Davenport Outing Club and the Scott County Family Y. (At this time, Janssen was living at the St. Vincent Center in Davenport with retired Davenport Bishop O'Keefe, Vicar General Morrissey, Chancellor Leo Feeney, Vice Chancellor Parizek, and other diocesan officials, as well as accused priest Frank Martinez.)

From the perspective of today, it was clearly a mistake for Fr. Janssen to have been reassigned to any public ministry after his 1956 suspension. The Diocese of Davenport apologizes for these mistakes. I have accepted the recommendation of the Review Board that I request the Vatican to laicize Fr. James Janssen.

Francis Bass

Bishop Franklin does not mention here that that on October 1, 1958, Bishop Hayes acknowledged having been forwarded an obscene letter from Janssen to a victim, in which Janssen referred familiarly to Bass's new car and a drive up to see the victim again. The very next day, Hayes named Bass the Diocesan Director of Vocations, a new position.

Diocesan records show that a report was received dated June 29, 1992 that Fr. Bass had sexually abused a minor in 1964. This "dated" report was actually a phone call from a survivor to Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Morrissey, then vicar general. Morrissey himself wrote the 6/29/92 report to Bishop O'Keefe: "I believe no action needs to be taken, but this memo should be sealed and put in Father Bass's file. If something else comes up, I don't think we can deny this phone call." Diocesan records should show that the survivor had previously spoken with a representative of the diocese in approximately 1974 and reported the abuse. See the survivor's affidavit. Fr. Bass retired in October 1992. In 1998, the Diocese received a report that Fr. Bass had abused another minor in the 1960s. Additional credible allegations of abuse against Fr. Bass have recently been received by the Diocese. I have accepted the recommendation of the Review Board that I request the Vatican to laicize Fr. Francis Bass.

Frank Martinez

Diocesan records show that in 1986 Fr. Martinez appeared to initiate sexual activity with a minor who fled from him and sought help. The minor and his parents sued Fr. Martinez and the Diocese. The case was settled out-of-court. I have accepted the recommendation of the Review Board that I request the Vatican to laicize Fr. Frank Martinez. Martinez had solicited sex from a boy at a Davenport motel on 12/26/86, and the boy fled to the desk clerk, who called the police, who in turn called Vicar General Morrissey. See Morrissey's sworn 1992 deposition (pp. 11-16). Morrissey says in his deposition (pp. 15-16) that the Martinez claim and one other (against Rev. James E. Leu) were the only sexual abuse claims that he knew about at the time. This testimony was false, as Morrissey admitted in a 2004 deposition (p. 175), because in 1992 he already knew about accusations against James M. Janssen and Rev. William F. Wiebler.

Morrissey also likely knew of a 1974 accusation against Rev. Francis E. Bass (see the victim's affidavit), because Morrissey was the chancellor of the diocese at the time of the accusation. He might also have known of a prior claim against Martinez. Before the motel abuse, which occurred when Martinez was pastor at Sacred Heart in Melcher and St. Joseph's in Bauer, Martinez was abruptly pulled (on 10/8/85) from his pastor positions at Sacred Heart in Lost Nation and St. James in Toronto after less than two years in those positions. By this time, Morrissey was the vicar general of the diocese. Rev. Msgr. W. Robert Schmidt was briefly installed as pastor at Sacred Heart and St. James, while Martinez was sent out-of-state to a hospital chaplaincy for a few months, before being assigned to Melcher. Schmidt was a senior diocesan priest who was then superintendent of schools and would become vicar for priests (a new position) in 1986. See the Official Catholic Directory (New York: Kenedy, 1986-87). These unusual circumstances are not mentioned or explained in the Franklin report.

William Wiebler

The Diocese has received allegations of sexual abuse against Fr. Wiebler for incidents that date back to the 1970s and 1980s. Fr. Wiebler has admitted acts of abuse with several minors. In a May 2002 meeting with Bishop Franklin and Chancellor Loftus, Wiebler reportedly admitted to abusing at least 12 boys, not "several." Fr. Wiebler's last position in the Diocese was in 1985. Wiebler was pulled on 2/1/85 from his position as pastor at St. Mary of the Visitation in Ottumwa for sexual abuse. See Morrissey's 2004 deposition (p. 184) on "what happened down in Ottumwa." He then took a leave of absence to become editor of Sacred Heart League publications in Mississippi. He retired in 1991. This retirement year is not consistent with entries in the Official Catholic Directory. The 1986-2000 Directories list Wiebler (inconveniently spelled "Weibler" only in these years) as "On Duty Outside the Diocese." He is not listed in the 2001 Directory, and then is listed as retired beginning in the 2002 Directory. In 2002, Fr. Wiebler was admitted for residential treatment at a facility in Missouri. On October 9, 2002, I issued a Precept, the strongest canonical action possible at that time, which bound Fr. Wiebler with specific obligations: 1) To continue treatment and to comply to the fullest extent with all those involved in his treatment program; 2) To refrain from all contact with minors (under age 18); 3) To continue cessation of volunteer work or employment in any place where contact with minors may occur; 4) To further avoid all places and situations that, from past experience, have been occasions of serious temptation in the areas of sexual morality. He remains at the treatment facility. But in May 2004, Wiebler moved from the St. John Vianney Renewal Center in Jefferson County MO to an apartment near a grade school, and the St. John Vianney Center reportedly informed the Davenport diocese of Wiebler's departure. I have accepted the recommendation of the Review Board that I request the Vatican to laicize Fr. William Wiebler.

Richard Poster

On December 17, 2002, computer files containing child pornography were discovered on a diocesan computer, which had been in Fr. Poster's possession. The Diocese immediately reported this matter to the authorities, and Fr. Poster was charged with and pleaded guilty to a federal count of possession of child pornography. He has recently been sentenced to imprisonment. I have accepted the recommendation of the Review Board that I request the Vatican to laicize Father Richard Poster.

A SACRED TRUST VIOLATED

May God’s Grace and strength be with all who are victims. May that same strength be with their families. I’m sorry for any suffering you had and continue to have because of betrayed trust. If you wish to visit, a phone call or letter to Tom Crowley or to me can help set a time and place. May what we do now, in union with God’s help, protect all of our children now and in the years to come.

Priest Assignments

Francis E. Bass, 81, of Davenport; ordained June 6, 1948 [see also our alternative service record for Bass]

James M. Janssen, 81, of Davenport; ordained March 19, 1948 [see also our alternative service record for Janssen]

Frank R. Martinez, Jr., 54, of Davenport; ordained August 28, 1982 [see also our alternative service record for Martinez]

Richard Poster, 39, of Blue Grass; ordained December 5, 1992 [see also our alternative service record for Poster]

William F. Wiebler, 76, in treatment in Missouri; ordained June 4, 1955 [see also our alternative service record for Wiebler]

The Franklin report's "Priest Assignments" provide the start and stop dates that are standard on the Davenport "clergy record," of which the only publicly released example is the clergy record for James E. Leu.
* In the Franklin report, assignments are only provided for the five priests whose laicization has been requested: Bass, Janssen, Martinez, Poster, and Wiebler.
* Assignments are not provided in the Franklin report for the other accused priests named herein: Geerts, Shafer, Telegdy, Diamond, and Leu.
* Obviously, assignments are also not given in the Franklin report for accused priests whose names are public, but who are not named in the report: Rev. Donald Redmond, O.S.B., Rev. Placidus Kieffer, O.S.B., and Rev. Paul A. Deyo.
The links highlighted above will take you to BishopAccountability.org's assignment records for each priest.

Review Board of the Diocese of Davenport

Bishop William Franklin appointed the following members to the Diocesan Review Board in January 2003:

• The Honorable Clarence Darrow. He is a partner in the law firm of Law Offices of Clarence Darrow. From 1986-1996 he served as Illinois circuit judge with jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. Prior to that, he was partner in the law firm of Collinson, Taber and Darrow for 11 years, served in both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives during an 11-year span, served as assistant state’s attorney in Rock Island County for four years, was a psychiatric social worker from 1966-1971 in group, marital and family counseling as well as a Child Abuse Investigator/Court Liaison. Darrow also serves as a board member of Humility of Mary Housing Inc., and is a member of such organizations as Bread for the World and the Knights of Columbus. He has been recognized many times for his legislative service. Darrow is a member of St. Anthony’s parish in Davenport.

• Catherine Fouts is the president of the Diocesan Board of Education and vice president of the Newton Community School District Board of Education. She has served our diocese as a coordinator of religious education and has been a catechist for 12 years. She completed the Diocese of Davenport Ministry Formation Program in 1999 and the Grinnell Deanery Catechist Faith Formation Program in 1998. Fouts attended Loras College in Dubuque and received her bachelor of liberal studies from the University of Iowa in 1984. She holds various certifications as a coach and official. Her varied community involvement includes activities as a member of Skiff Hospital Auxiliary where she served as past program chair and health education chair and she taught classes for babysitting. She is a member of Sacred Heart parish, Newton.

• Bernard Hardiek is retired from Deere & Company where he served as president of the Worldwide Agricultural Equipment Division. He worked for the company for 20 years in various capacities including business development and planning. Previously, he worked for the Internal Revenue Service for 16 years, and also worked in various capacities that included field audit branch chief, chief of the appeals office and assistant regional commissioner, appeals, in Chicago. Hardiek is a Certified Public Accountant with a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Eastern Illinois University. He has served on various boards of directors including Moline Lutheran Hospital, Arrowhead Ranch and St. Ambrose University. He is a member of Christ the King parish, Moline, Ill.

• Msgr. James Parizek, JCL is a Promoter of Justice for the Diocese of Davenport and pastor of Our Lady of Victory parish, Davenport. He has served in a variety of positions in the diocese since his ordination in 1972, including assistant chancellor and diocesan judicial vicar, a position in which he oversaw the Diocesan Tribunal from 1981-2000. He has been a member of the Tribunal since 1976. He contributes his experience and education in Canon Law to the Review Board. The approved Norms recommend participation by a Promoter of Justice.

• Chris McCormick Pries, ARNP is the associate director for research, evaluation and community relations with Vera French Community Mental Health Center in Davenport. She is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, holding certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in child and adolescent psychiatric and mental health nursing from the American Nurses Association. She has been with Vera French since 1975 and earlier held positions of assistant director for quality assurance, coordinator of adolescent outpatient services, chief of nursing services, psychiatric nurse on the child/adolescent team, and consultant on the consultation team. McCormick Pries also provided counseling services to St. Ambrose students from 1984-1985. She serves on the adjunct faculty of the University of Iowa College of Nursing and has done so since 1986. She also served as an instructor at the former Marycrest College and at Black Hawk College in Illinois. She is a member of St. John Vianney parish in Bettendorf.