Byzantine Catholic Bishop Restricts Influencer Alex Jurado Amid Misconduct Allegations
Phoenix, AZ – July 20, 2025 – Bishop Artur Bubnevych of the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix has issued a directive prohibiting Catholic social media influencer Alex Jurado, known for his “Voice of Reason” platform, from participating in eparchy events or activities pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct. The decision, communicated in a letter dated July 16, 2025, to the eparchy’s clergy, follows accusations that surfaced online, prompting swift action from the bishop to uphold the eparchy’s Safe Environment policies.
Jurado, a regular attendee at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Byzantine Catholic Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, gained prominence after a July 2024 debate with Protestant pastor James White. Allegations against him, including claims of inappropriate text exchanges, emerged on social media platforms around July 13, 2025. While Jurado has denied specific accusations, including an alleged inappropriate relationship with a minor, he acknowledged the seriousness of the claims and stated he is cooperating with authorities to clear his name.
In his letter to the clergy, Bishop Bubnevych emphasized the eparchy’s commitment to safeguarding and dignity, stating, “We will cooperate fully with any authorized investigations which may occur in this matter.” The restriction bars Jurado from any involvement in eparchy facilities or events until further notice. The move has also coincided with actions by other Catholic entities, such as the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas, and the Catholic Speakers Organization, which have removed Jurado’s biographical information from their websites.
Jurado responded to the allegations in a July 15 statement on his “Voice of Reason” Instagram account, calling the claim of an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old “a complete fabrication.” He added that he has informed his church and contacted authorities, expressing readiness to pursue legal action against those he believes have defamed him. “I am a wretched sinner who is in desperate need of God’s mercy,” Jurado wrote, acknowledging personal failings while maintaining his innocence regarding the most serious accusations.
The allegations, initially reported by Protestia, included alleged text exchanges from when Jurado was 19 or 20 years old, some involving a minor and others with adults containing sexual content. OSV News, which obtained the bishop’s letter, noted that the authenticity of these messages could not be independently verified, and the original Protestia article became inaccessible by July 18, 2025, due to a server error. Some social media accounts amplifying the claims have since restricted access or retracted statements.
Bishop Bubnevych, consecrated as the sixth bishop of the Phoenix Eparchy on January 28, 2025, has prioritized transparency and accountability since his appointment. His pastoral experience, rooted in his Ukrainian background and service in the U.S. since 2013, informs his approach to addressing such matters decisively. The eparchy, covering 13 Western states, serves nearly 3,000 faithful across 19 parishes and faces challenges like clergy shortages and vast geographic distances, yet remains committed to its mission of spiritual nourishment and evangelization.
The investigation into Jurado’s conduct is ongoing, with the eparchy pledging full cooperation. The case underscores the challenges faced by Catholic institutions navigating the influence of digital personalities while maintaining rigorous standards for conduct and accountability.
**Full Text of Bishop Artur Bubnevych’s Letter to Clergy (July 16, 2025):**
Dear Reverend Fathers,
It has come to my attention that allegations have been made against Alex Jurado, a regular attendee at one of our parishes and known for his “Voice of Reason” social media channel. Effective immediately, Mr. Jurado is prohibited from 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 authorized investigations which may occur in this matter. 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.
Please keep this matter in your prayers, that truth and justice may prevail.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Artur Bubnevych
Bishop of the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix
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