Swiss priest resigns after confessing sexual abuse

Associated Press/March 17, 2010

Chur, Switzerland - An eastern Swiss diocese says a priest has resigned after admitting to sexually abusing children in the 1970s.

The Chur diocese says it approached the priest after being contacted by a victim Monday. It said the priest also acknowledged abuses in parts of neighboring Austria and Germany that belong to the same diocese, and has reported himself to local police.

The statement Wednesday didn't specify how many cases of abuse were involved.

The Swiss Bishops Conference says there have been 60 alleged victims of abuse by Catholic priests in Switzerland in the last 15 years.

The admission comes amid numerous reports of abuse by Catholic clergy or church employees in Europe.

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