#BreakingNews Alex Crow Former Priest of Alabama is Laicized Following Civil Marriage to an 18-Year-Old Woman
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MOBILE, ALA. - The Archdiocese of Mobile has received notice that the laicization of Alex Crow is complete, effective immediately. Mr. Crow once served as a priest in the Archdiocese, but is no longer a member of the clergy, confirmed in a letter by our Holy Father, Pope Francis. In late July, Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi announced he had suspended all the rights and responsibilities of Crow to act, dress, or present himself as a priest. The Archbishop took action immediately upon learning that Crow had abandoned his ministry in Mobile and left suddenly for Europe with a young woman. Though the Archdiocese had no reason to suspect Crow of any crime, out of an abundance of caution, it immediately notified the civil authorities who began investigations, and the Archdiocese began its own internal investigation by outside counsel. The civil authorities closed their investigations finding insufficient evidence to make criminal charges against Crow, a conclusion consistent with that of the Archdiocese. Despite the lack of criminal charges, the Archbishop shared in August that he saw no way back to the priesthood for Crow, considering his scandalous behavior. A Bishop can begin the process for laicization after a priest has been absent from his ministry for six months, or the priest, himself, can request laicization at any time. Before the six-month period was over, Crow initiated the process for his own laicization, a move the Archbishop supported. It has now been granted. Crow is no longer a member of the clergy, nor has any of the privileges or responsibilities of the priesthood. This decision of Pope Francis is final. There is no appeal. Archbishop Rodi expressed his gratitude for the decision by Pope Francis, which was desired by all parties, saying, “I pray that this decision is one more way in which we can all move toward peace after these unsettling events. I continue to pray for God's grace to bring healing for all.” Press Release Mobile Archdiocese - https://ec-prod-site-cache.s3.amazonaws.com/static1/mobarch.org/documents/2024/1/crow1524451.pdf
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Alex Crow, age 31, and the unnamed woman are believed to have left Mobile, Alabama, on July 24th, 2023. According to The Pillar: The Alabama priest who fled to Europe with the 18-year-old has married her civilly, as stated by local media reports and Alabama public records.
Father Crow had been a parochial vicar at Corpus Christi Parish in Mobile and left behind a letter to the Archdiocese of Mobile that he would never return to the United States, according to the sheriff's office. The handwritten letter to the 2023 high school graduate shows that the priest planned for the couple to be in Italy together "with our family" and have "many wonderful and normal Valentine's Days."
Father Crow had been a parochial vicar at Corpus Christi Parish in Mobile and left behind a letter to the Archdiocese of Mobile that he would never return to the United States, according to the sheriff's office. The handwritten letter to the 2023 high school graduate shows that the priest planned for the couple to be in Italy together "with our family" and have "many wonderful and normal Valentine's Days."
The Archdiocese Released this Q and A on the situation on Aug. 17: Source: https://mobarch.org/news/questions-and-answers-about-alex-crow-and-the-laicization-process
What has Archbishop Rodi done regarding Alex Crow? When it became clear that Alex Crow had intended to abandon his assignment, Archbishop Rodi removed the faculties of Alex Crow. He has also ordered him, under his promise of obedience, to return home immediately.
What has Archbishop Rodi done regarding Alex Crow? When it became clear that Alex Crow had intended to abandon his assignment, Archbishop Rodi removed the faculties of Alex Crow. He has also ordered him, under his promise of obedience, to return home immediately.
What does it mean that his faculties have been removed? A faculty is the priest’s ability to function publicly as a priest. So that means Alex Crow is not able to function as a priest publicly. He cannot preach, publicly say Mass, do weddings or funerals, or even hear confessions, except if a person is in danger of death.
Was he defrocked? Defrocking is not a term of canon law.
What is canon law? Canon law is the law of the Church that developed over the Church’s 2000-year history. This law is for the Church and especially for ministers of the Church. It is not in conflict or competition with the civil laws of the state or country. It is mostly found in a book called The Code of Canon Law. Canon law seeks to restore justice and repair scandal.
What can happen next with canon law and Alex Crow? There is a process called laicization or dismissal from the clerical state.
Can Archbishop Rodi do this process himself? The simple answer is no. He has to assemble a panel of three priests who examine what happened. These three priests would be impartial and objective experts in canon law. This process can start six months after when Alex abandoned his assignment.
Why does it take so long? Canon law ensures that the rights of all parties are respected. The process also gives time for all the facts to be established. Finally, the process also gives everyone who needs to speak a chance to be heard.
Is Archbishop Rodi planning to pursue the dismissal of Alex Crow from the priesthood? Yes.
McGILL-TOOLEN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Statement:
An important message from Principal Michelle Haas and President Fr. Bry Shields:
We were all stunned by the recent news regarding Alex Crow. Contrary to what was reported, Mr. Crow was never employed by McGill-Toolen CHS. We welcome our priests to visit Theology classes and hear confessions when they can. Mr. Crow did visit some Theology classrooms, and hear confessions during the period, September through December 2021. He also celebrated one school Mass that year. He has not chaperoned any school trips or retreats. We will continue to pray for the families involved and are looking forward to the start of another great year.
Was he defrocked? Defrocking is not a term of canon law.
What is canon law? Canon law is the law of the Church that developed over the Church’s 2000-year history. This law is for the Church and especially for ministers of the Church. It is not in conflict or competition with the civil laws of the state or country. It is mostly found in a book called The Code of Canon Law. Canon law seeks to restore justice and repair scandal.
What can happen next with canon law and Alex Crow? There is a process called laicization or dismissal from the clerical state.
Can Archbishop Rodi do this process himself? The simple answer is no. He has to assemble a panel of three priests who examine what happened. These three priests would be impartial and objective experts in canon law. This process can start six months after when Alex abandoned his assignment.
Why does it take so long? Canon law ensures that the rights of all parties are respected. The process also gives time for all the facts to be established. Finally, the process also gives everyone who needs to speak a chance to be heard.
Is Archbishop Rodi planning to pursue the dismissal of Alex Crow from the priesthood? Yes.
McGILL-TOOLEN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Statement:
An important message from Principal Michelle Haas and President Fr. Bry Shields:
We were all stunned by the recent news regarding Alex Crow. Contrary to what was reported, Mr. Crow was never employed by McGill-Toolen CHS. We welcome our priests to visit Theology classes and hear confessions when they can. Mr. Crow did visit some Theology classrooms, and hear confessions during the period, September through December 2021. He also celebrated one school Mass that year. He has not chaperoned any school trips or retreats. We will continue to pray for the families involved and are looking forward to the start of another great year.
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