Two Priests Temporarily Removed from Ministry

Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport
April 19, 2013

http://www.davenportdiocese.org/comm/commlib/prHarnessStack%20-%2004%2022%202013.pdf

[full text]

From Bishop Amos:

The Diocese of Davenport has received a report which states that Father Robert Harness, Pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church in Davenport, inappropriately touched a minor in approximately 1990. The Diocese has reported this to the Scott County Attorney in compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Diocese and the County Attorney.

Father Harness has been temporarily removed from ministry while this matter is being thoroughly investigated. The Diocese will meet with the leadership of the parish to assess its immediate needs and other issues of healing that may arise.

In an unrelated report, the Diocese of Davenport has received a report which states that Father John Stack, Chaplain at Mercy Medical Clinton in Clinton, inappropriately touched minors in approximately the 1980s. The Diocese has reported this to the Scott County Attorney in compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Diocese and the County Attorney.

Father Stack has been temporarily removed from ministry while this matter is being thoroughly investigated.

The list of assignments for both priests is attached.

We apologize, again, for all those who have been abused and continue to pray for them.