BERLIN (AP) — A prominent German bishop accused of physical abuse is saying for the first time he may have slapped children, prompting calls for his resignation.
Two weeks ago Bishop Walter Mixa said in a statement he had "never used physical violence of any kind against children or youths."
In a new statement on his Web site Friday he said he cannot rule out having hit children in the face.
Mixa said "if the debate is now focussed on the question of slapping I will honestly say that as a longtime teacher and priest dealing with very many youths I cannot rule out the odd smack in the face 20 years ago."
He said that was completely normal then.
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Opposition politician Renate Kuenast of the Greens said Mixa had lied to the public and must resign.
