| IRISH Priest Leaves Catholic Church after Nazi-themed Coke Binge
9 News
February 29, 2016
http://www.9news.com.au/world/2016/03/01/06/39/irish-priest-leaves-catholic-church-after-coke-binge-in-roomful-of-nazi-memorabilia
An Irish clergyman is on indefinite leave from the Catholic Church after being caught snorting cocaine in a room full of Nazi memorabilia in his parish house.
Caught dead-to-rights on camera, Father Stephen Crossan, of County Downs in Northern Ireland, admitted imbibing the class-A drug after a party last year, but denied that he is a supporter of National Socialism.
"It was just the one night and that was it. I do not have an issue with drugs," Fr Crossan told The Sun, adding that he collects relics from "all over the world", and not just Nazi Germany.
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"I shouldn't..." Father Crossan was on leave for depression when the video was filmed.
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"I know what they stand for, but I’m no Nazi. I collect historical stuff," Father Crossan, who was on sick leave at the time.
One of his guests told the British tabloid, however, that the 37-year-old priest had given a Sieg Heil Nazi salute at the party.
"It was all over the house, it reminded me of that Nazi room in Father Ted — I told him that and he laughed it off," the source said.
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Coke, Catholicism and the Third Reich...Fr Crossan says he collects memorabilia from all over the world.
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"At one point Stephen put on a cap and did the Nazi salute but he was just messing around."
The Bishop of Dromore, John McAreavey, said Fr Crossanhad been granted leave in May last year – the party was in July – and that he is concerned for his health.
Fr Crossan, who has since moved out of the parochial house, requested an extended leave of absence from the priesthood last month.
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