By Robin J. Youngblood
Quad-Cities Online
October 12, 2006
http://qconline.com/archives/qco/sections.cgi?prcss=display&id=309937
Davenport -- Catholics going to midday Mass Wednesday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church clutched their jackets tightly and bent their head down into the biting wind.
Some shared their feelings about the Davenport Diocese declaring Chapter 11 bankruptcy Tuesday while others politely declined. Emotions ranged from anger to sadness, and one person reached toward their own faith for an answer.
"I think people need to forgive and forget," said Chris, of DeWitt. Although he wouldn't give his last name, Chris shared his opinion about the sexual abuse lawsuits that are rocking the Catholic Church.
 |
|
Cindy Muzzey remarks about the Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Wednesday before going to Mass at St. Anthony's Church at 324 N. Main St., Davenport. Photo by Terry Herbig |
"In the case of the abuse, it happened 30-some years ago," he said. "You can't put that into money terms."
The diocese's financial difficulties were brought on by dozens of abuse claims filed against priests and other church leaders, resulting in more than $10.5 million that's been paid to victims since 2004. Several suits have yet to go to trial. The diocese no longer has insurance to cover the claims.
"The Church will fall apart" under this financial and scandalous burden, Chris said.
"Horse____" is what Ken of Davenport called the lawsuits. "I don't like this one bit."
However, Ken, who also declined to give his last name, reasoned that the diocese may not have a choice in declaring bankruptcy, calling the plaintiffs and the lawsuits "rip offs." Money awarded to the victims won't bring them happiness, he added.
Ken said people may be suing the diocese and other Catholic churches because "there's too many anti-Catholics around, if you know what I mean."
"I think it's pretty sad," John Cassidy said about the bankruptcy. "I hate to say it, but I think there's money involved, lawyers involved."
Roger Schock of Park View said "(the bankruptcy) is good if they need to do it."
Mr. Schock said he hopes the diocese's bankruptcy will "eliminate or cut down on the request for money as a result of all (the lawsuits)."
Cindy Muzzey said the lawsuits against clergymen and the diocese are "terrible. Nobody should have the right to sue God."
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.