BERKELEY (CA)
Contra Costa Times
By Martin Snapp
STAFF WRITER
BERKELEY - Parishioners at St. Joseph the Worker Church are in shock after learning that their longtime pastor, the Rev. George Crespin, had abruptly resigned because of a sexual abuse allegation.
The news was delivered at Sunday Mass, when other priests read Crespin's announcement.
In it, he adamantly proclaimed his innocence, saying, "Since I know the person making this accusation, I am firmly convinced that this is being done to get money from the church."
The alleged incident occurred 30 years ago, well before Crespin came to Berkeley.
Several parishioners said they couldn't believe the accusation, though none was willing to speak for the record.
Posted by kshaw at February 11, 2005 07:34 AM