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LA Bishop With Secret Family Resigns

Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala has two teenage children

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 5, 2012 12:39 AM CST
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(Newser) – A Los Angeles bishop has resigned after he revealed to his superiors that he has a secret family. Mexican-born Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala, 60, is the father of two teenage children who live with their mother in another state, reports the BBC. LA Archbishop Jose Gomez said the archdiocese is offering the family "spiritual care," as well as funding to help with college costs. He called the situation "sad and difficult." Zavala's resignation has been accepted by the Vatican.

The popular, influential bishop has been known as a champion of immigration rights and social and economic justice. "He is a wonderful advocate for the marginalized communities—the outcasts," a co-worker told the Los Angeles Times. "It was his understanding of God and our faith—that there is a preferential love for those who are suffering and those who are going through difficult times." His resignation is bound to re-ignite a debate over celibacy for Catholic clerics. "It's self-evident—celibacy does not work," said Father Richard McBrien, a professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame.

Bishop Gabino Zavala celebrates mass.
Bishop Gabino Zavala celebrates mass.   (Getty Images)
Bishop Gabino Zavala has resigned after revealing he has two teenage children.
Bishop Gabino Zavala has resigned after revealing he has two teenage children.   (NorthHollywoodPix)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
Disillusioned
Jan 6, 2012 7:46 AM CST
The guy clearly did NOT fit in, he was a "normal": human and not a Certified Pedophile Priest as in the job description when he first was hired
backpath2
Jan 6, 2012 6:44 AM CST
Celebacy works only for a small minority of the population. For the majority -- including priests -- it is an unworkable distortion of Nature's design and Christian ethics. The Vatican remains mired in the Dark Ages, and as a consequence, the Church is withering away.
Twiny
Jan 5, 2012 11:33 AM CST
It's a damn shame the church doesn't live in the same century as the rest of us, isn't it? Then maybe they wouldn't have lost what sounds like a pretty good guy. But, circumstances and his own weakness made him into a liar. Too bad...
US

 
Los Angeles • Vatican • celibacy • Bishop Gabino Zavala • Los Angeles archdiocese

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