A CATHOLIC priest who served a parish in Reading has been charged with a series of sexual offences involving a child.
Father Peter Glas, who served at St Joseph’s Church, Tilehurst, has been charged with 10 offences in total, including eight counts of gross indecency with a child and two further counts of indecent assault on a child.
The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth confirmed that Glas had been charged in relation to offences which occurred during his time in Jersey between 2002-2008, more than a decade before he worked in Reading.
He worked at St Joseph’s until the end of last year, having spent around 7 years at the church.
Glas was also reportedly working as an exorcist, though this is not formally recognised by any of his former, and is also outspoken in his disdain on issues such as premarital sex, homosexuality, gender transition, and intellectualism.
The States of Jersey Police confirmed last week: “A 60-year-old man, Piotr Antoni Glas, was charged with 10 sexual offences, comprising eight counts of gross indecency with a child and two counts of indecent assault on a child.
He is due to appear before Jersey Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 June, and has been released on Centenier’s bail until that date.”
The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth said in a statement: “Since the concern was raised, and in accordance with our safeguarding policies and procedures, Fr Glas has not been in public ministry.
“The Diocese has been in full cooperation with the statutory authorities throughout this time and the matter has been managed internally by our safeguarding team.
“Please keep everyone involved in all of this process in your prayers.”
It also explained: “The judicial process must be allowed to take its course before any conclusions can be reached.
“Until criminal proceedings have concluded, which may take some time, it will not be possible to make any further comments.
“We recognise that hearing this news will be distressing, particularly for victims and survivors and we express our heartfelt sorrow for anyone who has suffered abuse within the Church.”
It explained also that there are “robust” safeguarding standards, policies, and procedures in operation within the Diocese, “and throughout the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
“We take all allegations of abuse seriously and all allegations are referred to the police and any other relevant authorities.
“We pray regularly for all victims of abuse and we encourage anyone seeking support in relation to abuse or harm suffered resulting from their association with the Catholic Church to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding team.”
