Bishop: ‘Shame’ on Brazilian Catholic church in wake of sex scandal

Bishop: ‘Shame’ on Brazil church in sex scandal

RIO DE JANEIRO — A Roman Catholic bishop in Brazil says he strongly supports the police investigation of three priests in his region accused of sexual abuse.

Bishop Valerio Breda’s says the case has brought “shame and dishonor” on the church. His open letter was made public on Thursday.

An 83-year-old priest in the northeast state of Alagoas is accused of sexually abusing at least three boys as young as 12. He is under house arrest and prosecutors are weighing charges.

Breda calls on worshippers to “not have fear of the truth, even if it is painful.”