DAVENPORT, IOWA (March 18, 2020) — Following an allegation of abuse being reported to the Iowa attorney general, the Diocese of Davenport has suspended a priest who has been accused of sexual misconduct in the 1990s. Once again, reports made to law enforcement resulted in immediate action from Catholic officials. We hope this story encourages other victims and witnesses in Iowa to come forward and make a report to the attorney general.
The allegations against Fr Robert “Bud” Grant are from the early 1990s, making this case yet another example that belies Church officials’ claim that clergy abuse is a problem from the 1970s and 1980s. We are grateful to the victim in this case for having the courage to come forward and make a report, especially since Fr Grant is currently in ministry and working in multiple locations.
We call on Catholic officials to be transparent and release the details of the allegations against Fr Grant, as well as include him on their lists of accused priests. Bishop Thomas Zinkula, where Fr Grant was currently working, and Bishop William Joenswn of the Diocese of Des Moines, which is investigating the allegations, should also personally visit each parish and facility the cleric has been assigned to and ensure parishioners are aware of the allegations and encourage other victims and witnesses to come forward and make a report to law enforcement.
As more and more arrests are made nationwide, it is clear that if survivors want their allegations to be taken seriously they should be reporting to law enforcement and their attorney general. Any victim in Iowa who learns of this case and is encouraged to come forward can make a report to A.G. Tom Miller by calling his confidential hotline at 1-855-620-7000 or by making a report on his website.
