Former secretary to the Bishop of Legnica, Fr. Tomasz Kołodziej, published a statement in which he apologizes for his conduct related to a traffic incident that occurred on December 27, 2025, in Jelenia Góra. The priest admitted that his actions were irresponsible and became a cause of scandal.

In the statement, the clergyman apologizes to the people who felt hurt by his conduct, as well as to the Bishop of Legnica, whose trust he wrote that he had abused. He also notes that, in one moment, the effort of his several decades of priestly ministry was squandered. He declares his willingness to make amends and repair the harm he caused.

The statement was signed on January 27, 2026, in Legnica—exactly one month after the incident. The document appeared one day after the publication of our article, in which we reported on the police arrest of the bishop’s secretary.

As reported by the Municipal Police Headquarters in Jelenia Góra, a 42-year-old resident of Legnica County was stopped for a traffic check and was driving a vehicle while intoxicated. The man was charged, and the case was referred to court.

Several days ago, the Bishop of Legnica decided to dismiss Father Tomasz Kołodziej from his position as secretary, but no reasons for the decision were given at the time. As the diocesan spokesperson told us, further decisions concerning the clergyman are to be made after the proceedings conducted by state authorities have concluded.

Until our article was published, the diocese had not publicly disclosed details of the incident, and the clergyman himself had not commented on the matter. The statement is Father Tomasz Kołodziej’s first public position since his arrest by police.

STATEMENT

In connection with the situation that took place on December 27, 2025, in Jelenia Góra, I apologize to all those for whom my irresponsible behavior became a cause of scandal. I apologize to the Bishop of Legnica, whose trust I abused.

I realize that, in one moment, the effort of my several decades of priestly ministry was squandered. I will do everything to make amends and repair the harm I caused.

Fr. Tomasz Kołodziej

Legnica, January 27, 2026