The Des Moines Catholic Diocese released the names of nine priests with "substantiated allegations" that they had abused children while serving at parishes in the diocese. The list includes the names of two priests who had not previously been made public. Both have died. Bishop Richard Pates … [Read more...]
Sioux City Bishop discusses release of names of priests involved in sex abuse
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sioux City, Walker Nickless, says most of the feedback he's getting from people after the release of the names of priests involved in sex abuse cases involving minors in the Dioscese has been positive. The names of 28 priests were released two weeks ago. "We … [Read more...]
United Methodists in Iowa fear discord after vote against same-sex weddings, gay clergy
Iowans who attend United Methodist churches are concerned about how Tuesday's vote may bring dissension and splits in the nation's second-largest Protestant Church. UMC leaders voted to strengthen rules against homosexual clergy and same-sex marriages. Reverend Jeff Flagg, pastor of Asbury United … [Read more...]
Sioux City Diocese releases list of 28 priests ‘credibly accused’ of abuse
The bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sioux City has released the names of 28 priests he says were credibly accused of the sexual abuse of minors while serving in the diocese. Bishop R. Walker Nickless held a news conference in Sioux City earlier this afternoon. "To all victims of such abuse as … [Read more...]
Iowa Senate holds hearing for religious freedom bill
A bill Republican sponsors are calling a "religious freedom restoration" bill has cleared its first procedural hurdle in the Iowa Senate. Joan Thompson of the Iowa Catholic Conference says it'll prevent the government from forcing Iowans to do things that violate their religious beliefs. "This … [Read more...]
Judge rules Christian group at U-I should keep registered status
A U.S. District Court judge says the University of Iowa was wrong to take away the registered status of a Christian student group. The school pulled the status of the group Business Leaders In Christ or BLINC after the organization barred a gay student from a leadership position. Judge Stephanie … [Read more...]
Iowa City churches form coalition to address social services gaps
A coalition of churches in the Iowa City area is forming a new charitable organization to help fill in gaps in social services. "Hope for Johnson County" is made up of four congregations and will represent hundreds of members. Dan Feigenspan, with High Point City Church, says the goal is to … [Read more...]
Briar Cliff receives donation to endow theology chair
Briar Cliff University has received a $2 million endowment gift from the Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque. President Rachelle Karstens says the legacy gift is one of the largest in the University's history and establishes the Sisters of St. Francis Endowed Chair in Theology. "It's so exciting … [Read more...]
Crowd gathers in Des Moines to mark MLK Day 2019
Observances are being held around the state to mark the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. More than a thousand gathered for a prayer breakfast early this morning in Des Moines. "Even with a national holiday, monuments, streets named in his honor, most of us generally don't think of Dr. King until … [Read more...]
Sioux City man calls for more information on priest abuse cases
A Sioux City native who survived sexual abuse in the Catholic church hopes bringing his experience to the public will encourage more people to come forward. Tim Lennon with the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests says he was raped by a clergy member in 1960. He says when he reported it … [Read more...]