Brussels: A Belgian priest and prominent Third World development activist has admitted he sexually abused a minor 40 years ago, according to the director of the development aid organization he founded.
The case of Francois Houtart came to light after the victim`s sister came forward in reaction to a campaign to nominate the priest for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Bernard Duterme, director of Cetri, says Houtart resigned from the organization`s board in November.
Houtart, who is currently in Ecuador, didn`t immediately respond to phone calls and e-mail Wednesday, but in an interview with Belgian newspaper Le Soir, Houtart is quoted as saying he twice touched "the intimate parts" of a boy he describes as his cousin 40 years ago. He calls the incident "inconsiderate and irresponsible."
Bureau Report
