Essential Estrogen

The Diocese of Davenport released a letter yesterday stating that one of its priests, Very Rev. Gerald Stouvenel, was placed on administrative leave July 27. The letter was released by Davenport Bishop Martin Amos and stated that Stouvenel will remain on leave until investigations regarding sexual abuse are complete.

"According to the diocese of Davenport policies relating to sexuality and personal behavior, I have placed Father Stouvenel on administrative leave effective July 27 while a full investigation is being done regarding the credibility of the allegations," Amos wrote.

Amos also encouraged prayer for "all people who have been abused and for the people affected by abuse."

Four people have come forward to claim that Stouvenel molested them more than 30 years ago when they were minors. No criminal charges will be filed since the statute of limitations -- 10 years after the victim's 18th birthday -- has passed.

The claims appeared as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case filed by the diocese in October 2006. Just this week the bankruptcy judge provided the religious group more time to file its reorganization plan. The plan must now be provided by Oct. 1 and approved by the court no later than Nov. 30. The plan is required to describe how the diocese will pay its creditors, most of whom are abuse victims.

The bankruptcy case began amid mounting clergy abuse lawsuits -- claims that had already cost the diocese more than $10 million. More than 150 claims from alleged abuse victims have been filed in the case. It was the nation's fourth diocese to seek court protection.

Stouvenel served the SS Mary and Patrick Parish in West Burlington for 13 years and currently has duties at parish offices that serve the Fort Madison Catholic Community. Although The Hawk Eye is reporting that Rev. Troy Richmond will take over Stouvenel's duties as temporary pastor during the investigation, community documents have not reflected this change.

Stouvenel also served on the Diocesan Youth Ministry Committee of the Diocesan Board of Education as one of six deans. Stouvenel represented the Keokuk Deanery and, based on internet archives, was listed with that title on the Davenport Diocese website as late as yesterday. According to the Quad-City Times, he also served on faculty at Assumption High School. He was ordained on Aug. 12, 1972.

The Davenport Diocese has more than 100,000 members in 22 Iowa counties.