Local priest removed from church over decades-old allegations

07:24 AM CDT on Friday, April 30, 2004

By Vicente Arenas / 11 News

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An area priest has been removed from a church in Webster following allegations of sexual abuse in Ohio. But the man is still working for the Houston Independent School District.

Saint John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church sits in the middle of a quiet neighborhood in Webster. But there is a storm of allegations surrounding its former priest, 58-year-old Father Gabriel Barrow.

KHOU-TV Father Gabriel Barrow has been removed from Saint John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church in Webster.

A group called Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests or S.N.A.P. says Barrow allegedly abused three boys while he was at another church in Toledo, Ohio, nearly 30 years ago.

National church officials confirm they're investigating. The alleged victims came forward in 1999, but criminal charges are not possible, because too much time has passed.

11 News spoke by phone to one of them who says he couldn't believe Barrow was still ministering. "Very frustrating, very angering," he says. "And when brought to the attention of the bishops they have taken no action until recently."

Barrow was reportedly suspended from the church in Webster four months ago, and currently works for HISD as an instructional supervisor overseeing teachers and visiting classrooms. The district wouldn't comment any further.

No one answered at Barrow's home. A person who later answered the phone there says he is out of town.

11 News also spoke to members at St. John the Theologian. They had not heard about any of the allegations. The parish council president said the congregation wouldn't comment until more information was available.

That information may be coming soon. S.N.A.P is asking all the Orthodox churches Barrow has worked at to make public announcements regarding the allegations to see if any other victims come forward.