Clergy Scandal: Alleged Drug Use And Tragic Death Rocks Religious Community
A 60-year-old Anglican priest in Kalmthout, Belgium, has been arrested after his 69-year-old male partner allegedly died during a night of sex and drug use.
The two men, who had allegedly been using ecstasy and poppers, were together in anticipation of Pope Francis’ visit to Belgium. The victim, Andrew Wagstaff, a British priest, allegedly fell unconscious and couldn’t be resuscitated. His partner, identified as Father Bernard, allegedly called the police.
A History of Similar Incidents
This is not the first time a priest has been arrested in similar circumstances. In April, a Polish Catholic priest was sentenced to 18 months in prison after an investigation into a gay adult play party in his apartment. A male sex worker had allegedly collapsed after overdosing on erectile dysfunction medication and was subsequently “mutilated”.
Police allegedly found traces of narcotics on Wagstaff’s body, and Father Bernard has been charged with drug trafficking resulting in death. An autopsy has not yet been conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Wagstaff was ordained 30 years ago and served as the chaplain of St. Boniface Church in Antwerp, Belgium, until his retirement earlier this year. Eddy Marstboom, the 84-year-old chairman of the local church council, described Father Bernard as a dedicated priest who was well-liked by the community.
A bishop will decide whether Father Bernard can continue working in the church. The incident has sparked debate about the challenges faced by clergy members who often live lonely lives.
An unnamed churchgoer told The Telegraph, “Priests often live a lonely existence. They often fall back on themselves and, of course, they also have human needs. It is a disaster that he is being portrayed in such a bad light.” Father Bernard had a reputation for being a kind and compassionate priest, but allegedly had a secret life that was unknown to his congregation.
