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	Priest Faces Criminal Investigation, Police Say By Louise Dickson Times Colonist September 18, 2007 http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=c6046957-be4a-4106-bb3b-7e4378304cd4&k=37620 Victoria police are investigating a criminal complaint against Rev. Antonio Osorio, pastor of St. Saviour's Church in Vic West, Sgt. Grant Hamilton confirmed yesterday. "I can't comment on the nature or the details of the allegation," said Hamilton. Osorio resigned from his position last week after admitting to sexual misconduct, but a project he was involved in to build a tranisition house will continue. A short statement issued by the Anglican Diocese of B.C., said Osorio was suspended from his duties on Sept. 5 pending an investigation into an allegation of sexual misconduct. On Wednesday, Osorio admitted to the allegation and offered his resignation, the statement said. It was accepted. Diocese spokesman, the Venerable Bruce Bryant-Scott, would not say who was involved in the sexual misconduct or who filed the complaint. Osorio is no longer an employee of the diocese. He is still a priest, but not able to function as one. Hamilton could not say how Osorio's admission of misconduct will affect the investigation. "He's very well known in the community so we want to make sure we proceed cautiously." One of the projects Osorio was working on, as acting-president of its board of directors, was to build a transition house for refugee women and their children. "We intend to carry on, not withstanding the very distressing news about Father Antonio," said Ray Travers, treasurer of the Welcome House Refugee Society. "We're meeting as a board in a day or two to discuss our course of action. "The project is bigger than all of us. We are committed. We have a strong board and a strong group of people around us. We're larger than St. Saviour's." The Welcome House Refugee Society was registered in December 2006. It is intended to help immigrant women and children who are at risk. Many have no legal status because they left their Canadian husbands before obtaining a resident permit. The project is supported by many people at other parishes in the Anglican dioceses, said Travers. The society has raised $220,000 but still needs about $700,000. The Anglican Church has offered the society a low-interest mortgage for $200,000. However, a funding application to B.C. Housing was turned down earlier this year. "We need more money and we need a building," said Travers. The board is looking at property now. St. Saviour's parish council has cancelled indefinitely the Rainbow Kitchen and a night shelter for the homeless. The Anglican Diocese of B.C. is expected to hold a press conference later this week to discuss the situation at St. Saviour's.
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