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...]
Catholic Diocese of Des Moines reports thousands of dollars lost to phising scam
The Des Moines Catholic Diocese says it lost several thousand dollars in a phising scam. A spokesperson for the Diocese says they have asked the FBI to investigate after a person or group impersonating an employee requested a transfer of funds on December 13th. The Diocese transferred $45,880 to … [Read more...]
Atheist holiday banner hanging for first time in Iowa State Capitol
For what's believed to be the first time in history, an atheist holiday banner is being unfurled at the Iowa State Capitol today for a display running through the end of December. Justin Scott, the state director of American Atheists, says the goal of placing the banner in a prominent location at … [Read more...]
Sioux City Diocese says county attorneys declined to investigate abuse allegations in 2002
The Sioux City Catholic Diocese has announced it is developing a list of "credibly accused priests" who've worked in the northwest Iowa diocese. The Diocese acknowledged news stories about Jerry Coyle, a priest who worked in parishes in Carroll and Fort Dodge, had been upsetting to many. In a … [Read more...]
Sioux City Bishop: former priest was sent for treatment after admission of sexual abuse
New information reveals officials in the Catholic Diocese of Sioux City knew about the alleged sexual abuse of as many as 50 Iowa boys more than 30 years ago by a priest, Reverend Jerry Coyle. The current bishop of the diocese, R. Walker Nickless, says Coyle admitted his actions to his superiors … [Read more...]
Bishop who delivered sermon at royal wedding is in Iowa
The American cleric who delivered the sermon at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this spring is in Iowa this weekend. Presiding Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry said the wedding gave him a wonderful chance to talk about the core of the Christian faith to an audience he wouldn't otherwise … [Read more...]
Omaha Tribe builds sweat lodge to help those who need healing
Native American activists built a sweat lodge in Sioux City which they hope will inspire people to seek out the healing they need to get well from alcoholism, domestic abuse and trauma. The small hut is made of willow tree limbs, nestled on a field next to War Eagle Park. Calvin Harlan, with the … [Read more...]
Northwest Iowa man pleads guilty to stealing $479,297 from Graettinger church
The former treasurer of a northwest Iowa church has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly half-a-million dollars from the church. The theft occurred over a 13 year period. Sixty-five-year-old Andrew Matheason of Graettinger was the treasurer at Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger. … [Read more...]
Muslim Iowa girls are offered sports hijabs to encourage activity
An eastern Iowa non-profit group is offering sports hijabs to help Muslim girls stay active. Starting this fall, the organization Girls On The Run will supply the athletic versions of the Muslim headscarf to girls who request them. Executive director Kelly Teeselink says coaches want to … [Read more...]
Southern Iowa Catholic priest suspended after hearing
Allegations of unwanted sexual advances have led to the suspension of a Catholic priest in southern Iowa. Catholic Diocese of Des Moines Bishop Richard Pates says he took the action immediately after hearing the allegations on Wednesday and he notified police in Chariton. A statement from … [Read more...]