Priest Accuser Feared Hell for Being Gay

A former altar boy says he thought he was molested by a Roman Catholic priest as a boy as punishment for being gay.

The Philadelphia man says he tried to hang himself at age 11 as he struggled with guilt after the 1997 encounter.

His testimony comes in the sexual-assault trial of the Rev. Andrew McCormick.

The 26-year-old accuser says he came forward in 2012 to keep other boys from being harmed.

He says McCormick told him that homosexuality and masturbation are sins, raising fears he would go to hell.

Defense lawyers challenge details of his testimony, and question why he is McCormick's lone accuser.

The 57-year-old priest has been suspended from ministry since 2011 over a less serious complaint.

The trial is expected to last through next week.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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