Priest told to step down after sex-abuse accusations

Denver, Colorado --

Amid hugs and tears, a popular Denver priest told his parishioners Sunday the archbishop has relieved him of his duties so he can concentrate on defending himself against sex-abuse accusations.

In an emotional statement at the end of Mass, Rev. Marshall Gourley spoke in Spanish and English as he told members of Our Lady of Guadalupe church his departure is necessary in the face of a $20 million lawsuit.

"Please, please don't be upset with the archbishop," Gourley, 48, said. "The process that the archbishop has undertaken is in accord with the norms established in this archdiocese and throughout the United States. The process is correct. And the process is necessary."

Gourley has said the molestation accusations are "distressing and not truthful" and he will vigorously defend himself against them.

Some church members said they disagreed with the decision by Archbishop Charles Chaput of the Catholic Archdiocese of Denver.

Read the article at Texas News dated October 6, 1997

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