DAVENPORT (AP) — A monument will be placed outside the Catholic Diocese of Davenport’s headquarters to recognize victims of clergy sexual abuse. Diocese officials said the millstone marker will remind church officials of their commitment to protect children.
"This symbol is intended to help promote healing for the victims and all the faithful in our diocese," Bishop William Franklin said. "The diocese hopes that our efforts will be meaningful to the victims and that this process will help to ease their pain."
The monument is one of the terms of a $9 million settlement with 37 victims of clergy sexual abuse. Numerous lawsuits have alleged decades-old sexual abuse by priests.
The millstone, a cylindrical stone used to grind grain which also is a metaphor for a heavy weight or burden, will include two inscriptions, both verses from the "Gospel of Matthew."
A victim raised the idea of a monument during the lawsuit negotiations, and another victim quoted one of the two inscriptions that will be used, a spokesman for the diocese said.
The monument, which is still being designed, is scheduled to be completed this spring, officials said.
Kathleen Bush, a member of the Diocesan Corporate Board of Directors, said victims of clergy sexual abuse will be personally invited to attend the dedication of the monument.
"This is for all victims, those who have come forward and those who have not yet come forward," she said. "We are trying to convey to the victims our deep sorrow and regret, our compassion and our commitment to make sure this does not happen again." [Source]
Well I guess if you are going to make a monument for victims of abuse then a millstone is the perfect metaphor.
"but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." Matt 18.
I have suggested something along the same lines for bishops before.
