Prominent Legion priest admits fathering child, issues apology [CNA]

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Rome, Italy, May 15, 2012 / 12:58 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Father Thomas Williams, one of the most high-profile American members of the Legion of Christ, is leaving public ministry after admitting he fathered a child.

“A number of years ago I had a relationship with a woman and fathered her child. I am deeply sorry for this grave transgression and have tried to make amends,” Fr. Williams said in a May 15 statement.

“My superiors and I have decided it would be best for me to take a year without active public ministry to reflect on the wrong I have done and my commitments as a priest. I am truly sorry to everyone who is hurt by this revelation, and I ask for your prayers as I seek guidance on how to make up for my errors.”

He also apologized to members of the Legion and the Church, “since this scandalous news will damage them as well, at the worst possible moment.”

The identities of the mother and child have not been revealed.

Fr. Williams also said that he is with his family in Michigan and is being treated for a form of cancer.

Fr. Williams was ordained a priest with the Legion of Christ priest in 1994. Now based in Rome, he is a professor of theology and ethics at the Legion’s Regina Apostolorum University. He is also a prolific Catholic author.

But Fr. Williams earned most of his renown for his work in broadcast television. In recent years he has served as a faith and religion analyst for CBS News, as well as a Vatican analyst for NBC News and Sky News. He was also the theological advisor for Mel Gibson’s 2004 film, “The Passion of the Christ.”

Today’s news is yet another blow to the morale of the Legion of Christ. The movement is currently being overhauled by senior Vatican officials, following revelations that its late founder, Fr. Marcial Maciel, had lived a double life that included affairs with women and fathering children.

Meanwhile, the Vatican announced last week that it is also investigating seven allegations of sexual abuse made against Legion members, with all but one of the cases being “from decades ago.”

In a May 15 letter to all Legion members, Father Luis Garza, Territorial Director for North America, said that Fr. Williams’ announcement “will be shocking news to you,” especially “in the wake of all that we have been through as a Movement in the past several years.” He added that he would not be surprised if members were “disappointed, angry or feel your trust shaken once again.”

“Father Williams has enriched the faith of so many through his teaching, public speaking and writing, and has been a spiritual guide for many in the Movement,” he stated.

“That is what makes this failing such a painful reminder that we are all frail humans, in desperate need of God’s mercy.”

Fr. Garza concluded by asking for prayers for all who have been affected by Fr. Williams’ actions and also for himself “during his time of prayer, penance and renewal of his priestly ministry.”

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Full article…
 
I am seriously getting sick of this type of priest. Can we start stringing them up in the public square by the nads? And no, I am not kidding. Deterrence.
 
Sometimes I’m inclined to doubt the fortitude of many priests because of these guys. Though he is a sinner like the rest of us, he has really fallen because Satan attacks them constantly. That’s no excuse, but it is the proper/charitable perspective we should hold. This has occurred throughout history. No matter the vocation, celibate or married priest, there will always be scandals. Stringing someone up for a moment of weakness is not the answer. Prayer is, and owning up to our transgressions, the results of our sins, by doing penance and making reparation continues to be the correct course of action I believe.
 
What I don’t understand is, since the priest himself knows that he did this, why didn’t he leave the active priesthood voluntarily before everything came out (as it always does) and caused scandal and damaged the Church’s credibility?

Also, even if he was fairly certain that the information would not become public, why would he continue (or his religious order have him continue) in such a very public manner and in such important positions? That just makes matters a thousand times worse when things become public.

Does anyone really think that, these days, something like this will remain a secret?
 
Very, very saddening news.

I enjoyed Fr. Williams’ commentary on television, and I have his book on forming one’s conscience, which is truly a gem (and which I would still recommend.)

All parties involved surely need our prayers.
 
Its a little distressing to see the public statements have no mention of the woman or child. Have they been supported or provided for? It would have been nice to see some statement about his regret over the impact this will have on the child. While the privacy of the woman and child must be respected, vague statements about “guilt” and “the wrong I have done” seem focused on the self rather than the impact on others…
 
Havard said:
Very, very saddening news.

I enjoyed Fr. Williams’ commentary on television, and I have his book on forming one’s conscience, which is truly a gem (and which I would still recommend.)

All parties involved surely need our prayers.
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I was planning to give that book as a confirmation present. 🤷
At this point I will hold onto it and work on a introductory discussion/lecture before sharing it. 🙂
 
Cristiano said:
I was planning to give that book as a confirmation present. 🤷
At this point I will hold onto it and work on a introductory discussion/lecture before sharing it. 🙂
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Have you read it? I still recommend it, as it’s based upon sound principles.

His book never would have justified these recently reported actions. He must have surely known they were wrong. 😦
 
“A number of years ago I had a relationship with a woman and fathered her child.”

I am disappointed to see the slant this priest has in his reference to “her” child. It should read OUR child. Referring to the child as “her” child certainly provides emotional distance to Father but incorrectly so.

Also, as one commentator on another site pointed out, and which touched me a good deal was the fact that this poor child will grow up for an entire lifetime without a father. And when he is old enough (not sure how old he is now), he will read that he was the result of a “grave transgression.” That sounds pretty awful. I know people who still suffer the sting of being an “accident” and that’s not nearly as bad. It seems in these situations, the emphasis is always on the poor priest’s “fall” and not enough on the injured parties.

He does refer to “amends” but as a mom myself, and one who has worked with emotionally disturbed children, I sure wish we knew the Church or the Order was stepping in to assure counseling for the woman and child as well as material support.
 
This is awful. Praying for all concerned. Yes, priests are human but with more formation, direction, and access to grace than the rest of us. This is indeed a huge blow of the Legion.
 
NewEnglandPriest said:
Its a little distressing to see the public statements have no mention of the woman or child. Have they been supported or provided for? It would have been nice to see some statement about his regret over the impact this will have on the child. While the privacy of the woman and child must be respected, vague statements about “guilt” and “the wrong I have done” seem focused on the self rather than the impact on others…
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👍 Also, it seems that confessing having “fathered a child” puts it in the most positive light (as opposed to contributing to an abortion), rather than calling the sin what it is : either fornication or adultery, plus breaking his vows.
 
I know this is unpopular to say, but this is just another example of why there should be voluntary celibacy in the priesthood. God wired normal human beings for love, romance. intimacy and conjugal relations. The Church should not stand in the way of this. It is part of nature - and even natural law?. God’s first command was “be fruitful and multiply”. We read (I Tim. 3:2) that a bishop should have only one wife. Does that sound like celibacy?
 
Roy5 said:
I know this is unpopular to say, but this is just another example of why there should be voluntary celibacy in the priesthood. God wired normal human beings for love, romance. intimacy and conjugal relations. The Church should not stand in the way of this. It is part of nature - and even natural law?. God’s first command was “be fruitful and multiply”. We read (I Tim. 3:2) that a bishop should have only one wife. Does that sound like celibacy?
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It is voluntary in that you can choose to be a priest or not be a priest.

I have heard many instances of married Protestant pastors having adulterous affairs or fathering children with their mistresses.

I don’t think this allowing priests to marry will stop those whose weakness is that t type of sin, to stop sinning.
 
Mrs_Sally said:
This is awful. Praying for all concerned. Yes, priests are human but with more formation, direction, and access to grace than the rest of us. This is indeed a huge blow of the Legion.
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I think the Legion has to take a little responsibility for this. From what I read, many were making trangressions and it was off limit to criticize. I think the Legion made great efforts to secure pious young men and these men were then abused. It’s no wonder that some of these guys are not thinking straight.
 
Roy5 said:
I know this is unpopular to say, but this is just another example of why there should be voluntary celibacy in the priesthood. God wired normal human beings for love, romance. intimacy and conjugal relations. The Church should not stand in the way of this. It is part of nature - and even natural law?. God’s first command was “be fruitful and multiply”. We read (I Tim. 3:2) that a bishop should have only one wife. Does that sound like celibacy?
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Roy, You make a good point. But aside from the sexual nature that needs to be suppressed, the basic need for human companionship probably outweighs the sexual aspect. It gets lonely on the road.
 
Roy5 said:
I know this is unpopular to say, but this is just another example of why there should be voluntary celibacy in the priesthood. God wired normal human beings for love, romance. intimacy and conjugal relations. The Church should not stand in the way of this. It is part of nature - and even natural law?. God’s first command was “be fruitful and multiply”. We read (I Tim. 3:2) that a bishop should have only one wife. Does that sound like celibacy?
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I hope this is not a repeat because my comment seems to be lost in cyber space.

Roy, You make a very good point. I would add that the human need for companionship might outweigh and perhaps lead to the sexual aspect. It gets lonely on the road.
 
This is terrible news-I first saw it on Spirit Daily.

I have a book that he wrote based on Mel Gibson’s ‘Passion of the Christ’ movie. I also remember seeing Father Williams on a few evening newscasts.

What an awful trial the Legionaries are enduring!

Prayers all around…😦
 
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