NEW YORK (AP) \u2014 Citing allegations of \u201cpossible improper behavior,\u201d the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Tuesday announced the resignation of its top administrative official, Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill, ahead of a media report that probed his private romantic life.<\/p>\n
Shortly after the announcement, the Roman Catholic news outlet The Pillar published its article based on data it said was \u201ccorrelated to Burrill\u2019s mobile device\u201d and indicated he had visited gay bars and private residences using a dating app popular with gay people.<\/p>\n
The Pillar alleged \u201cserial sexual misconduct\u201d by Burrill \u2014 homosexual activity is considered sinful under Catholic doctrine, and priests are expected to remain celibate.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Archbishop Jos\u00e9 Gomez, president of the USCCB, said in a statement that conference officials learned of the allegations of possible improper behavior on Monday.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat was shared with us did not include allegations of misconduct with minors,\u201d Gomez said. \u201cHowever, in order to avoid becoming a distraction to the operations and ongoing work of the Conference, Monsignor has resigned effective immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Conference takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and will pursue all appropriate steps to address them,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The USCCB did not release any statement or resignation letter from Burrill; its press office said it would let Burrill know that The Associated Press was seeking comment from him.<\/p>\n
The Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest and prominent advocate for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the Catholic Church, criticized The Pillar\u2019s report.<\/p>\n
\u201cPriests should obviously keep their promises of celibacy. But Catholic journalists should not use immoral means to spy on priests,\u201d Martin said. \u201cBecause what comes next? Spying on Catholic school teachers? Spying on parishioners? And where does it end \u2014 when we have a church where no one has ever sinned? The church will be empty.\u201d<\/p>\n
Burrill was elected in November 2020 as the USCCB\u2019s general secretary, a position in which he coordinated a variety of administrative matters. He had served since 2016 as associate general secretary, and before that was a pastor at several parishes in Wisconsin. He also previously worked for four years at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.<\/p>\n
Gomez said Burrill would be replaced on an interim basis by the Rev. Michael Fuller, the current associate general secretary.<\/p>\n
While the USCCB doesn\u2019t have direct authority over the nation\u2019s bishops, it coordinates many of the church hierarchy\u2019s policies, messaging, advocacy and charitable work.<\/p>\n
As a priest, Burrill is affiliated with the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, which said he most recently completed a background check last year.<\/p>\n
A statement from the diocese said Bishop William Patrick Callahan and his colleagues \u201care saddened to hear the media reports related to Msgr. Burrill.\u201d It pledged full cooperation with the USCCB \u201cto pursue all appropriate steps in investigating and addressing the situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease remember Msgr. Burrill and all affected in your prayers so they may find refuge and strength in God\u2019s unfailing love,\u201d it concluded.<\/p>\n
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Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through The Conversation U.S. The AP is solely responsible for this content.<\/p>\n