Catholic priest said ‘we are but men’ when challenged over sex with parishioner, court hears
Catholic priest Anthony Odiong is on trial in Texas for allegedly exploiting his position to engage in sexual relations with vulnerable female congregants. Testimony revealed that he was caught in a compromising situation with a parishioner's mother, leading to charges of sexual assault. Odiong has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges and could face life imprisonment if convicted.
- ▪Anthony Odiong, 57, is charged with exploiting his status as a clergyman for sexual relations with vulnerable women.
- ▪A son testified that he caught Odiong having sex with his mother, who was receiving spiritual guidance from the priest.
- ▪Odiong has faced multiple allegations of sexual coercion and abuse in his role as a priest.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Anthony Odiong delivering a homily in which he referred to members of the LGBTQ+ community as ‘monkeys and animals and chimpanzees’, in November 2023. Photograph: YouTube page of St Anthony of Padua church of Luling, LouisianaView image in fullscreenAnthony Odiong delivering a homily in which he referred to members of the LGBTQ+ community as ‘monkeys and animals and chimpanzees’, in November 2023. Photograph: YouTube page of St Anthony of Padua church of Luling, LouisianaTexasCatholic priest said ‘we are but men’ when challenged over sex with spiritual directee, court hearsAnthony Odiong, 57, charged in Texas with exploiting status to pursue sex with vulnerable female congregantsRamon Antonio Vargas in Waco, TexasWed 27 May 2026 14.41 EDTLast modified on Wed 27 May 2026 14.50…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — World.
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