Bishop bans ‘Voice of Reason’ influencer from Church activities after grooming allegations

The popular Catholic influencer Alex Jurado has been barred from public events at his local church as an investigation is launched into allegations of sexual misconduct by the social media personality best known for his apologetics-themed 'Voice of Reason' videos.

Bishop Artur Bubnevych of the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix issued a statement prohibiting Jurado from public events while he is under investigation for allegations of sexually grooming an underage teenage girl when he was 21 years old, reports the Catholic News Agency.

On July 16, Bubnevych issued a statement to the clergy of his eparchy stating that Jurado, described as “a regular attendee at one of our parishes", is prohibited from “any activity or involvement … occurring in any facilities of or events being sponsored by the Eparchy of Phoenix until further notice".

“We will cooperate fully with any authorised investigations which may occur in this matter,” the bishop said in his statement, a copy of which was obtained by CNA. 

The bishop added: “We wish also to stress that our Safe Environment policies, which address the safeguarding and dignity of all persons, are taken most seriously and, with that in mind, I believe the action being taken is therefore warranted."

‍CNA reports that “whistleblowers” within the Catholic community had revealed reportedly sexually explicit texts that Jurado allegedly sent, when aged 21, to a girl who was 14 years old.

The popular Catholic apologist has denied the allegations and in a statement on his Instagram page he said he is “voluntarily cooperating in an investigation that will allow the truth to come to light”, CNA reports.

Jurado said "the accusation that I was having an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl is a complete fabrication".

He added that he is “prepared to undergo legal action against those who have defamed me”, describing the allegations as an “awful and vicious rumour”.

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Photo: Screenshot from 'Voice of Reason' on YouTube.

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