Priest removed for violating vows

news 14 carolina
DURHAM -- A priest at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Durham has been removed from duty after admitting to sexual misconduct more than 25 years ago.

The Rev. Stephen Garrity left North Carolina over the weekend for a weeklong evaluation at a treatment center.

Garrity admitted last week to having inappropriate sexual contact with five adults -- ages 18 to 23 -- 25 to 30 years ago while assigned in Baltimore and Philadelphia. While Garrity is not suspected of any criminal activity, the allegations are in violation of his vows of celibacy.

Church officials must now determine whether Garrity can continue in the ministry. He has served at Holy Cross since 2001.