A Roman Catholic priest with a criminal history is abruptly stepping down as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Windham.
Rev. Edward Thomson, who was convicted and fined six years ago for soliciting a prostitute in Lewiston, has told parishioners that he is leaving the priesthood for at least a year at the request of Bishop Joseph Gerry.
Stunned parishioners said the 55-year-old priest announced during services last weekend that he is being relieved of his duties at the church on Route 302 effective Friday.
“He said he was being relieved of his pastorship and will be taking a leave of absence from the priesthood … for the sake of justice,” said James Wallingford, a longtime member of the church. “He went no further and no one questioned him.
“Sometimes you’re better off not knowing,” Wallingford said.