News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Herve-Gaschignard-former-Bishop-of-Dax_article_image.jpg
World News

Bishop resigns after claims of 'inappropriate' behaviour towards children

Three young people came forward with allegations referring to the 57 year old Bishop of Dax, Herve Gaschignard, but none of them concerned paedophilia, the Church said.

Archbishop of Bordeaux Jean-Pierre Richard was quoted by AFP as saying: "His behaviour upset and troubled a certain number of these young people, who spoke to their families about it."

A 14 year old claimed Gaschingnard asked about his sexual habits, while a 14 year old girl come forward to say he stroked her thigh and whispered "inappropriate" things to her.

Archbishop Jean-Pierre said two church workers reported concerns about Gaschingnard on 21st March, prompting the Vatican to responding by asking that the bishop tender his resignation.

According to the Catholic newspaper, La Croix, concern was previously raised over Gaschingnard's behaviour in 2011, when he was serving as an auxiliary bishop in nearby Toulouse.

"No complaint has been lodged" with local prosecutors, Dax diocese was reported by AFP as saying.

The Vatican's intervention - within weeks of being made aware of the concerns - arguably marks a speed of response it has been accused of not showing in previous cases.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate