A Roman Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, stood trial in Waco, Texas, on charges that he used his position as a spiritual advisor to sexually exploit vulnerable female congregants. FYI, this is the same man of God who has likened members of the LGBTQ+ community to “monkeys and animals and chimpanzees” in past sermons. During the trial prosecutors presented DNA evidence showing that Odiong fathered a child with a woman he met while serving as a pastor in Louisiana. Two women also testified that Odiong initiated sexual relationships with them while providing counseling during difficult periods in their lives, allegedly manipulating them and abusing their trust. Prosecutors contended that he exploited his position of authority to pursue sexual relationships that Texas law treats as sexual assault when they involve members of a clergy-congregant relationship. Odiong denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty, while his defense questioned the timing and credibility of the accusations. If convicted on the most serious charges, he faces the possibility of life imprisonment. Hell is also a possibility, but that’s outside of our jurisdiction. 😊




