HOUSTON – A Houston priest stepped down from his position following allegations he engaged in inappropriate behavior with an adult, the church confirmed.
The Priest, Alfonso Delgado, has agreed to withdraw from all ministry at the Prince of Peace Church until the investigation is complete.
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The details of the allegations have not been released.
Vanessa Andrade, 31, said she met Delgado in the church's youth group when she was 18. Andrade said Delgado has been a huge part of the youth group and Spanish ministry. She said the announcement of Delgado's departure made during Sunday’s mass is shocking to her and unbelievable.
“I feel like they are not real because of the way he was with all of us," Andrade said.
Eduardo De Casas is part of the group SNAP, a group that advocates for victims who were sexually abused by priests. He cantors at the church and was in attendance during the announcement, but he believes the allegation is true. He said Delgado was full of himself.
“When someone carries themselves with such an arrogance you know that it is somebody that just loves power and when and people that love power like to take advantage of people,” De Casas said.
The church released the following statement to its members:
"We regret to inform you that an allegation has been received that Fr. Alfonso Delgado engaged in inappropriate behavior with an adult.
"This allegation will need to be investigated, and Fr. Alfonso has agreed to withdraw from all ministry until this investigation is complete. We would ask for your continued prayers for everyone affected by this situation."