UNITED STATES
KGO
(NEW YORK) — A prominent American priest in the Legion of Christ, a troubled Catholic order whose founder was denounced by the Vatican for sexual improprieties, has admitted having a sexual relationship with a woman and fathering her child.
Father Thomas Williams, who has appeared on CBS and NBC and was interviewed by ABC News for a 2010 report on the Legion, made the acknowledgement after an activist who had sought reform in the order contacted the Vatican with his suspicions.
“I am truly sorry to everyone who is hurt by this revelation,” said Williams in a statement. He said that he would be taking a year’s leave from his public duties “to reflect on my commitments as a priest.”
According to the National Catholic Reporter, the Legion has confirmed that seven other priests are now being investigated for the alleged abuse of minors. The Legion has more than 800 priests.
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