A well-known Catholic priest in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago has been removed from the ministry following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an adult woman.
The Rev. Brendan Curran, the pastor of St. Pius V Catholic Church since 2006, issued an apology Sunday for the relationship that he said occurred several years ago, according to the Chicago Tribune, who first reported the story.
"I deeply regret not self-identifying sooner about my immoral behavior: that was a mistake," Curran said in the statement, according to the Tribune. "I failed to remember my ministry and my commitment as a priest."
The Archdiocese found out about the relationship after the woman involved came forward, the Tribune reports.
Curran is known for his role in immigration activism in Chicago as he served a primarily Hispanic community in the Pilsen church.
"It is inherently problematic when clergy have any sexual contact with congregants," officials at SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said in a statement following Curran's removal. "There can be no true 'consent' given the power difference between the individuals."
