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08/31/2012 10:15 AM

Bronx Priest Apologizes For Child Sex Abuse Comment

By: NY1 News

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A Bronx priest is apologizing for defending child sex abusers within the Catholic Church.

In an interview with the National Catholic Register, Father Benedict Groeschel said priests accused of abusing children are often seduced by their accusers.

He went on to say first-time offenders should not go to jail.

The paper later retracted the comments and apologized for publishing them.

Groeschel also apologized saying he did not mean to blame the victim and that anyone who abuses a minor is always wrong.

The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal said Groeschel had a car accident years ago and his cognitive ability has been failing.