IRISH Priest Leaves Catholic Church after Nazi-themed Coke Binge

9 News
February 29, 2016

http://www.9news.com.au/world/2016/03/01/06/39/irish-priest-leaves-catholic-church-after-coke-binge-in-roomful-of-nazi-memorabilia

An Irish clergyman is on indefinite leave from the Catholic Church after being caught snorting cocaine in a room full of Nazi memorabilia in his parish house.

Caught dead-to-rights on camera, Father Stephen Crossan, of County Downs in Northern Ireland, admitted imbibing the class-A drug after a party last year, but denied that he is a supporter of National Socialism.

"It was just the one night and that was it. I do not have an issue with drugs," Fr Crossan told The Sun, adding that he collects relics from "all over the world", and not just Nazi Germany.

"I shouldn't..." Father Crossan was on leave for depression when the video was filmed.

"I know what they stand for, but I’m no Nazi. I collect historical stuff," Father Crossan, who was on sick leave at the time.

One of his guests told the British tabloid, however, that the 37-year-old priest had given a Sieg Heil Nazi salute at the party.

"It was all over the house, it reminded me of that Nazi room in Father Ted — I told him that and he laughed it off," the source said.

Coke, Catholicism and the Third Reich...Fr Crossan says he collects memorabilia from all over the world.

"At one point Stephen put on a cap and did the Nazi salute but he was just messing around."

The Bishop of Dromore, John McAreavey, said Fr Crossanhad been granted leave in May last year – the party was in July – and that he is concerned for his health.

Fr Crossan, who has since moved out of the parochial house, requested an extended leave of absence from the priesthood last month.