A Catholic priest in Homewood has been granted a leave of absence pending an investigation into an alleged relationship with a woman that began when she was under the age of 18.
Father Bob Sullivan, Vicar General of the Diocese of Birmingham, announced to his congregation at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Aug. 2 that he would be taking leave from his duties effective Aug. 4, according to the Rev. Steven Raica, the Bishop of Birmingham.
he reason for Sullivan’s leave, according to Raica, stems from a story published by a national media organization covering a complaint it received about an alleged personal relationship between a woman and Sullivan dating back to 2009.
“In light of the publication of this allegation, it is necessary and appropriate to deviate from our regular practice and disclose that our diocesan Victim. Assistance Coordinator also received this allegation in late July,” Raica said.
Raica said that the allegation was immediately reported to the Alabama Department of Human Resources, given that the woman may have been a minor at the beginning of the relationship.
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