A troubling situation has recently come to light involving Alex Crow, a former Catholic priest. As your pastor, I want to address this issue openly and provide some guidance during this unsettling time.

Who is Alex Crow?

Alex Crow is a 30-year-old former Catholic priest who was ordained just two years ago in 2021. He served as a parochial vicar at Corpus Christi Parish in Mobile, Alabama before abruptly leaving his assignment in July 2023.

What happened?

In July 2023, Crow fled to Italy with an 18-year-old recent female graduate of a local Catholic high school, McGill-Toolen. This raised grave concerns that the young woman may have been groomed by Crow in the months and years prior, while she was still a minor.

Multiple investigations were subsequently launched to look into any potential inappropriate behavior or abuse of power by Crow. However, with the young woman now being of legal age, no criminal charges could be filed despite extensive interviews by authorities.

Nonetheless, Crow’s actions caused great scandal in our community. Archbishop Thomas Rodi swiftly suspended Crow’s priestly faculties, prohibiting him from ministering or presenting himself as a priest in any way.

Was this legal?

While highly inappropriate and an egregious violation of his vows, Crow’s actions were not technically illegal since the young woman was 18 at the time they fled together overseas. However, many in the community remained deeply concerned that grooming and manipulation may have occurred while she was still a minor, despite a lack of admissible evidence to support criminal charges.

What happened afterward?

After several months overseas, Crow and the young woman returned to Alabama in November 2023. At this time, Crow was 30 years old and the young woman had just turned 18 in June 2023, shortly after her high school graduation.

Upon their return, Crow and the young woman were married in a civil ceremony. They provided a notarized copy of their marriage certificate to the local probate court.

In addition, it was revealed that Crow himself initiated the process to be formally removed from the Catholic priesthood, known as laicization. This process was swiftly completed and approved by Pope Francis.

So where does Crow stand now?

As of January 2024, Alex Crow is no longer a Catholic priest. His laicization has been completed by direct order of Pope Francis, and this decision is considered final with no possibility of appeal.

Crow is now considered to have fully returned to the lay or secular state. He no longer has any privileges, responsibilities, or faculties associated with ordained ministry.

full statement from the archdiocese regarding Alex Crow

Archbishop Rodi has expressed gratitude that this decision provides closure and hopefully allows all affected parties to move toward healing. However, the archdiocese reiterates that Crow’s behavior caused deep wounds in the community that may take time to fully heal.

What can we learn from this?

My friends, this is undoubtedly a painful situation that has shaken many people’s faith and trust. As we endeavor to find light amid the darkness, I want to reflect on a few key lessons:

No one, not even ordained ministers, are above reproach for grievous violations of ethics, integrity and Christ-like conduct. Our first duty is to protect the vulnerable. When we believe abuse or grooming may be occurring, we must report it and allow authorities to investigate thoroughly.
Forgiveness does not preclude consequences or accountability. Loving our neighbor means wanting what is just and ethical to prevail. True redemption requires owning one’s mistakes and preventing future harm to others.
This is ultimately a reminder that all individuals, clergy included, are imperfect and capable of grave sin. Our faith rests in Christ alone, not any individual pastor. I apologize personally if this situation shakes your trust in church leadership as a whole.
Finally, we must guard our hearts against cynicism, bitterness and disillusionment. The failures of man should not obstruct our view of the peace of God available to all. In the midst of heartbreak, may we continue to model compassion.

Brothers and Sisters, I am here for you as we walk this difficult road together. Please reach out personally if you need additional support or guidance coping with this news.