Longtime WRAL anchor David Crabtree has apologized to viewers for engaging in a relationship that cost him his title of deacon at the Episcopal Church.
“You may know that I am a member of the clergy in the Episcopal Church. On Friday, the church announced I have lost that position because I violated church rules,” said Crabtree on air Friday. “Years ago, I had a consensual relationship with a woman. … A relationship the church deemed inappropriate. I accept the decision. My actions were unacceptable. I apologize. My faith remains strong. I seek God’s forgiveness. I hope that, in time, I might earn yours.”
Crabtree was ordained at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Raleigh in 2004.
WRAL vice president Joel Davis provided this statement to the News Observer: “David Crabtree made a statement Friday night about a personal matter that is between him and the Episcopal church. He will continue his long career here at WRAL. His statement speaks for itself.”
Crabtree was set to retire in December but postponed leaving to continue to work in news.