New Mexico priest resigns diocesan posts amid controversy

Published: 2004-11-23

GALLUP, N.M. (CNS) -- Father Thomas Maikowski, director of the Gallup Diocese's Department of Education, has resigned the post and also has resigned as a diocesan consultor and as principal of St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School. His decision came a few weeks after police filed an attempted murder charge against a Gallup man who reportedly has admitted trying to poison a Carmelite nun under the care of Father Maikowski to get more attention from the priest. "It is my judgment that for the benefit of all, including myself, that I should resign these positions in diocesan administration," said Father Maikowski in his Nov. 11 letter of resignation, which was accepted by Gallup Bishop Donald E. Pelotte. Deacon Timoteo Lujan, diocesan chancellor, said Father Maikowski will continue to have all his priestly faculties and will continue his ministry to women religious in the diocese.

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