Church Files Show Anthony Odiong Kept Ministry 9 More Years Before Life Sentence
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 15
Church Files Show Anthony Odiong Kept Ministry 9 More Years Before Life Sentence
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 15
Summary
More than 200 pages of church records show Catholic leaders kept Anthony Odiong in ministry for years after repeated complaints, even though a Waco jury convicted him on May 29 and sentenced him to life four days later.
At least six women accused Odiong of misconduct or abuse tied to his priestly role, and the files show Austin diocesan officials warned New Orleans in September 2018 while New Orleans still extended his Luling pastorate through 2027.
New Orleans also issued letters describing him as in good moral standing for travel and ministry, and removed him only in 2023 after anti-LGBTQ+ remarks, months before Texas authorities arrested him.
Austin denied concealing information, citing its 2018 letter to New Orleans, while the New Orleans archdiocese said prior leaders did not know the full predatory pattern; victims said both responses dodged accountability.
The disclosures deepen scrutiny of church handling of adult accusers in a post-abuse-scandal era, especially after New Orleans agreed in December to a $305 million bankruptcy settlement with hundreds of survivors.