Diocese of Sioux City found to be in full compliance with Dallas Charter Review Board outlines 2004 activities

February 24, 2005

The Diocese of Sioux City, in conjunction with the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the release of the national report on the implementation of the Dallas Charter, today indicated that it has been found to be in full compliance with the requirements of the Dallas Charter for the Protection of Young People. The Dallas Charter, developed in 2002 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is the blueprint the church uses to ensure the protection of children and young people.

The two-member audit team of retired F.B.I. agents visited the diocese in October to evaluate the manner in which the Diocese of Sioux City handled its clergy sexual abuse cases. The weeklong audit included interviews with law enforcement officials, diocesan leaders, and members of the Review Board and abuse victims. The final report indicated that the diocese was in full compliance with the articles of the Dallas Charter.

In addition to the results of the audit, the Diocese of Sioux City also is reporting to its members the status of the work done by the Review Board in 2004. The Review Board is a group of volunteers from across the diocese that advise the Diocesan Administrator on issues related to clergy sexual abuse. Members of the Review Board for the Diocese of Sioux City include: Verna Welte, retired health care professional, Sioux City; Martha Burchard, Child Advocacy Center, Sioux City; Dr. Clayton Toddy, psychologist, Sioux City; Honorable Joseph Straub, retired district judge, Whittemore; Gretchen Cooney, Hospice, Holstein; Dr. Tom Henrich, marriage and family therapist, Le Mars; Mark Prosser, public safety director, Storm Lake; and Father Robert Schimmer, pastor at St. Patrick's, Sheldon.

In 2004, the Review Board met on ten separate occasions to consider 25 new allegations against four priests. The first indication the Review Board had on the majority of the cases was when a lawsuit was filed. Of the allegations made in 2004, 22 involved Father George McFadden and two involved priests who are deceased. One allegation is now under investigation with that priest presently under restrictions. Father McFadden remains suspended from all priestly duties with the potential of further canonical sanctions.

The diocese also released the financial report related to the handling of the abuse cases. During the past year, the diocese settled 11 claims made against it. Nine of the 11 settlements involved allegations against Father McFadden. One involved a priest who is deceased and one involved a claim against a priest who has been retired for several years. The total expended on the settlements was $805,000. The diocesan insurance carrier covered 60 percent of the cost or $481,250. The diocesan share was 35 percent or $278,750 and Fr. McFadden paid 5 percent or $45,000.

The Diocese of Sioux City still has a number of legal claims pending. All involve Fr. McFadden and cover the period of 1963-1972. Efforts are being made to resolve the remaining claims.

In addition to the costs of the settlements, the diocese in 2004 expended an additional $107,707 that covered the following expenses:

Background Checks / Virtus Training$81,825

National Audit / Administrative Costs$14,951

Attorney Fees (not covered by insurance)$7,885

Victim Therapy / Treatment$3,046

TOTAL$107,707

As the diocese reported last year, all costs associated with clergy sexual abuse cases were covered by unrestricted endowment earnings, estate gifts and donations made to the diocese. All funds that were designated for other church-related purposes such as Diocesan Annual Appeal (D.A.A), A Time to Remember, the Catholic School Foundation, or the Centennial Campaign for Excellence were used for the specific purpose intended and were not part of any abuse case expense. In addition, parishioner's weekend mass collections to support their parishes were not used to pay any of those costs.

Msgr. Roger J. Augustine, administrator of the Diocese of Sioux City, commended the work of the Review Board while continuing to express his sorrow over the abuse issue.

"On behalf of my brother priests, I once again want to convey my personal apology to anyone who may have been abused by one of our priests. A single incident is one too many and I deeply regret any pain that we may have caused," he said. The Diocese of Sioux City encourages anyone who has questions or concerns to contact Msgr. Augustine at the Central Catholic offices at (712) 255-7933 or the Victim Assistance Coordinator at (712) 279-5610 or toll-free (866) 435-4397.

The Diocese of Sioux City continues to focus on pro-active initiatives designed to educate the people of the diocese on the need to recognize and eliminate abuse. The nationally recognized VIRTUS training program, launched in the Diocese of Sioux City in 2003, continues to train people across the diocese. Every priest, deacon, employee and volunteer who works with or around children is required to participate in the training. Last year, more than 1,600 teachers, employees, volunteers and parents successfully completed the VIRTUS training. Since the inception of VIRTUS, nearly 6,000 people across the Diocese of Sioux City have successfully completed the comprehensive training program.

Msgr. Augustine acknowledges that the issue of clergy sexual abuse has been painful for everyone.

"This whole issue has forced us to examine our past and to learn from our mistakes," he said. "The church agonizes over the pain that has been caused and pledges to work closely with any victims to promote their spiritual recovery."