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Bishop addresses issue of sexual abuse
Attached statement
Posted March 14, 2002

Dear Friends in Christ,

In a statement attached to this letter, you will read of the response of the diocese to an article that appeared last week in The Des Moines Register. The article dealt with the situation of alleged sexual abuse of minors by priests in the Dioceses of Iowa.

May I first express my own sorrow and that of the Diocese of Sioux City for these acts. As I said in the statement, the betrayal of trust involved is clearly wrong. The trauma and grief afflicting victims and their families is enormous. There is also suffering for the parish communities involved. The healing process is long and arduous. The diocese is committed to assisting energetically in this healing.

Secondly, I want to re-emphasize that, when I arrived here at the end of 1997 as coadjutor, there was already a clear policy on sexual abuse in place, which had proved to be very effective both in substance and in process in dealing with allegations of this kind. This policy, revised in 1998, remains in place. It reminds us of our need as a diocese to be ceaselessly on guard to protect the little ones and the innocent.

Thirdly, I want to affirm the priestly life and ministry of the overwhelming majority of our priests in the Diocese of Sioux City. In recent days, I have also heard from them. They have expressed their great grief over these matters. They have also told me of their hurt and their sense of being "put on trial" as a group even though they have worked with integrity in their priestly commitment. I have asked them to prayerfully support one another and I ask the same of the faithful in this local church.

Last month in my Lenten Letter, I mentioned that compunction is an important dimension in our growth of faith. The root word of compunction is "to puncture" or "to deflate." The media attention to issues of priestly sexual abuse in recent months has punctured us as priests and bishops. I believe that there is a positive side to this otherwise negative and sometimes harsh spotlight. It allows us as priests to revivify our identity, mission and purpose.

Our "Lent" may continue for some time but it will issue forth in a genuine spiritual renewal. That resurrection of renewal will be of great importance for all the church and especially for those over whom we have been placed as shepherds and with whom we walk as disciples of the Lord Jesus, witnessing by word and deed to his justice and his charity.

Most Rev. Daniel N. DiNardo
Bishop of Sioux City

Statement of the Most Rev. Daniel N. DiNardo, Bishop of Sioux City

The Catholic Church has always been concerned about the care and protection of our children and youth. Nothing saddens us more than when anyone connected with the church is accused of violating that sacred trust.

In 1992 the Diocese of Sioux City established a sexual misconduct policy. The policy outlines the process used in handling allegations against diocesan personnel. The policy is designed to address any allegations, provide assistance to the complainant, safeguard the interest of the community and deal appropriately with the accused. The policy is periodically reviewed and revised as needed. Since its inception the policy has served the diocese well in dealing with this issue.

When the Diocese of Sioux City first learned about allegations against Father George McFadden, it acted in a fair and expeditious manner: he was removed as pastor and provided treatment; in addition, counseling and support was provided for those who requested assistance.

Regarding recently published reports in The Des Moines Register concerning Father McFadden, the diocesan policy was invoked and an investigation undertaken. While the diocese awaited additional information from Daniel Nash, counseling was provided to him. Pending receipt of that information, the diocese may consider additional therapy on his behalf.

The article also made reference to Father Gerald Hartz. The same diocesan policy and procedures were followed. The allegation could not be confirmed and misdemeanor charges were dropped.

As members of the church and those committed to the Lord Jesus, we want to model his justice and his mercy. As Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, President, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently stated: "As we pursue this common work for the safety of our children and for the good of society and the church we love, let us continue to remember one another before the Lord in prayer and in charity."