Vatican strips Alex Crow of priesthood
OAN’s Abril Elfi
10:17 AM – Sunday, January 7, 2024
Alabama Priest Alex Crow, who fled to Italy with an 18-year-old and married her months after her graduation, has been removed from priesthood by voluntary petition.
On Friday, Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi released a statement following the laicization of Crow from his position.
“The Archdiocese of Mobile has received notice that the laicization of Alex Crow is complete, effective immediately,” the statement said. “I pray that this decision is one more way in which we can all move toward peace after these unsettling events. I continue to pray for God’s grace to bring healing for all.”
The 30-year-old had requested to be removed from the priesthood, and Pope Francis had “confirmed in a letter” that request.
According to the church, laicization is the process of removing a clergy member, which absolves the bishop, priest, or deacons from performing their roles as representatives of the Catholic church; it can begin when a service leader is absent for more than six months.
In July 2023, the former priest and an 18-year-old from McGill-Toolen High School, a school where Crow had frequently lectured as a guest, fled to Italy.
When law enforcement learned of the love letters Crow had written to the teenager on Valentine’s Day while she was still a student, their relationship became clear.
Rodi denounced Crow’s actions as “totally unbecoming of a priest.”
“He may no longer exercise ministry as a priest, nor to tell people he is a priest, nor to dress as a priest,” he said.
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch spoke to the press staging that he believed “there was some grooming that’s gone on” by Crow.
Burch also mentioned that Crow was very interested in demonology and had told people he was taking the teenager to Europe to perform exorcisms.
Before the investigation was closed in November of last year, the young woman met with prosecutors and refused to answer any questions, according to District Attorney Keith Blackwood.
Even though Crow had not committed any crimes, the Mobile Archbishop stated in August 2023 that “he saw no way back to the priesthood for Crow, considering his scandalous behavior.”
Crow was first ordained in June of 2021.
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What led to the removal of the Alabama priest from the priesthood?
Title: Alabama Priest Removed from Priesthood After Controversial Relationship with 18-Year-Old
Introduction:
In a recent development that has alarmed the Catholic community, an Alabama priest named Alex Crow has been removed from the priesthood following a scandalous relationship with an 18-year-old girl. The decision was made by a voluntary petition, supported by Pope Francis himself. This article aims to provide an overview of the events surrounding this controversy, shedding light on the repercussions faced by Crow and the steps taken by the church to address the issue.
Background:
In July 2023, Alex Crow, a 30-year-old priest, fled to Italy with an 18-year-old girl shortly after her graduation from McGill-Toolen High School. The two had developed a relationship, which came to light when law enforcement discovered love letters written by Crow to the teenager on Valentine’s Day while she was still a student. The revelation prompted an investigation into the matter.
The Laicization Process:
Laicization, as explained by the church, is the process of stripping a clergy member of their position, relieving them of their duties as representatives of the Catholic Church. It can be initiated if a service leader is absent for more than six months. In this case, Alex Crow had reportedly requested to be removed from the priesthood, a request that was honored by Pope Francis, who confirmed it in a letter.
Official Statements:
Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile released a statement following Crow’s laicization, expressing his hope that this decision would contribute towards finding peace after these unsettling events. He further stated that prayers were being offered to seek healing for all those affected by this situation.
Reactions and Allegations:
Alex Crow’s actions have been strongly denounced by church officials, with Rodi describing them as “totally unbecoming of a priest.” Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch, who was involved in the investigation, voiced concerns about possible grooming tactics employed by Crow. Burch also mentioned Crow’s interest in demonology and his claim of taking the girl to Europe for exorcisms, arousing further suspicions.
Legal Proceedings:
Although Crow had not been charged with any crimes, the investigation saw the young woman meet with prosecutors who declined to answer any questions. District Attorney Keith Blackwood noted this development, emphasizing the gravity of Crow’s scandalous behavior. This lack of cooperation may have played a role in the decision to remove Crow from the priesthood.
Conclusion:
The removal of Alex Crow from the priesthood is a severe consequence of his actions, which have caused significant distress and raised concerns within the Catholic Church community. The decision to remove him was based on a voluntary petition, supported by Pope Francis. As the church continues to address this issue, it is hoped that healing and reconciliation will be sought for all those affected by this distressing situation.
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