Internal Catholic church files obtained by the Guardian reveal that clergy leaders sought to extend the tenure of a priest who faced nearly half a dozen accusations of sexual misconduct or unwanted advances from women he ministered to. Anthony Odiong was originally assigned to St Anthony of Padua church in Luling, Louisiana, from 2015 to 2018. However, despite multiple complaints, his supervisors extended his stint by three years, and later by another six years until 2027.
Extended Term Despite Complaints
By 2021, his superiors moved to prolong his stay despite having spoken to a woman who accused Odiong of an abusive, years-long sexual relationship. She was at least the fifth female congregant to claim misconduct by Odiong. New Orleans' archbishop at the time, Gregory Aymond, wrote to Odiong praising his service and extending his term. Despite the vow of celibacy, Odiong fathered a child with a sixth woman he met through his clerical work. Only after that did civil authorities in Waco, Texas, hold him accountable, convicting him of criminal clergy sexual abuse in June and sentencing him to life in prison.
Church Knowledge and Response
The documents reveal that Catholic church leaders for a region including Waco had received numerous misconduct complaints against Odiong while he was working there from 2006 to 2012. Austin diocese officials confidentially notified their New Orleans counterparts in September 2018, three years after Odiong began working under them. Church officials in New Orleans not only left Odiong in place for over five years but also represented him as a person of good moral character to other locales. Odiong was only removed when he made anti-LGBTQ+ comments from his pulpit, months before his arrest.
Details of Complaints
In 2010, a woman told the Austin diocese that Odiong bit her ear and hugged her inappropriately. In 2011, a student accused him of suggestive comments and inappropriate embraces. Another complaint involved a teenage boy who caught Odiong having sex with his mother. The boy later retracted his complaint due to fears about his mother's job. The Austin diocese concluded the complaint was false but deemed Odiong's actions highly imprudent.
Continued Ministry and Lack of Action
Despite these complaints, Odiong continued his ministry in New Orleans, where he was popular among congregants. He raised $600,000 to build a healing chapel. In 2018, a woman wrote to Austin officials about Odiong's inappropriate behavior, which was forwarded to New Orleans. However, the New Orleans archdiocese told Odiong there were no plans for follow-up. In 2019, another woman reported a years-long sexual relationship with Odiong, but no substantial consequences followed.
Odiong was finally suspended in November 2023 after making dehumanizing comments about LGBTQ+ people. The New Orleans archdiocese asked the bishop of Uyo, Nigeria, to recall him. However, it omitted mentioning that over five years had passed since they first received written notice of the misconduct complaints.
Conviction and Aftermath
Odiong was convicted of first- and second-degree sexual assault and sentenced to life imprisonment. The New Orleans archdiocese expressed disgust at his behavior, while the Austin diocese denied concealing information. Victims criticized the church's handling of the case, calling for accountability.
For support, contact RAINN at 800-656-4673 in the US, Rape Crisis at 0808 500 2222 in the UK, or 1800Respect (1800 737 732) in Australia.
