In a decisive move that underscores the Catholic Church’s commitment to its sacred vows and moral standards, a 30-year-old priest from Alabama has been permanently removed from his clerical duties. The former priest, Alex Crow, made headlines when he married a recent high school graduate, an act that led to his laicization—a process that returned him to the lay state.
The story began unfolding when Crow and the young woman, Taylor Victoria Harrison, left the United States for Italy in July 2023. This departure followed Crow’s suspension by Mobile Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, who acted promptly upon learning of the priest’s inappropriate conduct. The suspension barred Crow from presenting himself as a priest, a measure that reflects the gravity of the situation.
Runaway Catholic priest Alex Crow now laicized, Mobile archdiocese says https://t.co/xRqE7HotEU via @NCRonline
— christine johnson (@christine77701) January 13, 2024
The controversy deepened with allegations from Harrison’s parents, who accused Crow of grooming their daughter before she reached the age of majority. Although local law enforcement investigated these claims, they ultimately closed the case due to a lack of evidence. Nonetheless, a letter from Crow to Harrison, penned when she was still 17, surfaced, revealing Crow’s self-professed “marriage” to her and calling her a “gift” from Jesus.
On January 5, the Archdiocese of Mobile announced that Pope Francis had completed the laicization of Alex Crow, effective immediately. This decision came after Crow himself initiated the process, foregoing the typical six-month waiting period for priests seeking to leave the clergy. The finality of the pope’s decision marks a significant moment in church discipline.
A Catholic priest who married a teenager after leaving the country with her this summer has been removed from the priesthood. The Archdiocese of Mobile announced in a statement that Alex Crow is no longer a member of the clergy.https://t.co/HBaj0Jk1AQ
— WVUA 23 (@wvua23) January 8, 2024
Archbishop Rodi expressed a sense of relief at the resolution of this matter, indicating that it was a mutual desire for all parties involved. The hope is that this conclusion will allow for a period of healing and moving forward for everyone affected by the events.
The church’s response to this incident is a testament to its unwavering dedication to upholding its principles and the sanctity of the priesthood. By taking swift and firm action, the church has demonstrated its resolve to maintain the trust and faith of its followers.
This case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with positions of authority and the importance of adhering to ethical standards. It also highlights the church’s capacity for self-regulation and its commitment to justice, even when it involves one of its own.
As the former priest and his young wife embark on their new life together, the church continues its mission, guided by centuries-old traditions and the moral compass that has defined its existence. The removal of Alex Crow from the priesthood is a clear message that the church will not tolerate breaches of conduct that undermine its core values and the spiritual welfare of its community.
