Click here to read: “Five priests removed from ministry; two restored,” by Jeremy Roebuck, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Dec. 15, 2013
Editor’s note: Note the cases, such as Rev. Michael Chapman, where new evidence came to light when allegations were made public.
An official Archdiocesan announcement is expected later today.
In the aftermath of the 2011 report, 26 priests were suspended.
Since May of last year, Chaput has permanently removed more than half of those priests from active ministry.
After Saturday’s announcement, the fates of only two of the accused priests remain unresolved.
In the aftermath of the 2011 report, 26 priests were suspended.
Since May of last year, Chaput has permanently removed more than half of those priests from active ministry.
After Saturday’s announcement, the fates of only two of the accused priests remain unresolved.
Supposedly the recent suspension of Fr Paul will also be announced…so far that suspension has had no public acknowledgement. It is only fair, not only to Fr Paul’s former parish that the announcement be made,but also to the other priests in the Philadelphia Archdiocese..if Fr Paul was going to leave under a resignation and a truly bizarre article in Catholic Philly that spoke of both the allegations and his retirement plans ..as if that was the most normal thing in the world? Absolutely the strangest thing I ever read..is that how common a possible child predator has become?..Garnering an article about future travel and study plans?? It is only fair that he be treated the same as any other accused priest..if not ,then any future accused priest should request the “Fr Paul PR Package”
And still no word on Monsignor Vincent Walsh?? What is the big secret.?
worried parishioner , I promised I would get back to you..I was trying to get a little more clarification. There are times that a priest can be removed from active ministry due to an illness,mental health,or addiction that could be impairing his ability to minister in some way. Not all removals are child related. I guess the best way to think of it as a person at any job where some type of physical or mental condition could infringe upon them continuing in their occupation. I don’t believe those type of removals are announced and I can understand that. The problem is that with all that has happened in the Archdiocese, people are suspicious when anything seems out of the ordinary,and of course due to the history,with good reason. The climate of suspicion is due to the actions of the Archdiocese over the past 50 years..not the fault of parishioners or the priests who have done nothing wrong.
Why all the mystery? Why no information regarding the specific nature of the allegations? What about the time spent in parishes by a credibly accused priest whose allegations are subsequently substantiated and corroborated? The “show” goes on and, for the most part, parishioners in the Phila archdiocese are kept in the dark about these matters.
How can trust be restored if the openness and transparency they speak of never really occurs? Of course, we have been led to believe that they are partners with us in this search for openness and transparency…………..however, that simply is not true, they have shown over and over again by their conduct, decision-making and lack of disclosure that the Philadelphia laity will NEVER by part of the process of investigation, disclosure, decision-making and management of this archdiocese.
Archbishop Chaput, is this an accurate description and understanding of the process relative to the management of allegations of clergy sexual abuse?
Michael Skiendzielewski
Statement from the Archdiocese on Fr. Paul –
ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING REVEREND JOHN P. PAUL
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has placed Reverend John P. Paul on administrative leave following allegations that he sexually abused minors over 30 years ago. While on administrative leave he is not permitted to exercise public ministry, administer any of the Sacraments, wear clerical attire or present himself publicly as a priest pending the outcome of the investigation.
This action is not connected to the resolutions of cases of priests placed on administrative leave following the February 2011 Grand Jury Report announced earlier today.
Background Information
Late last year and earlier this year, the Archdiocese received allegations that Father Paul had sexually abused minors over 40 years ago during his time as a seminarian.
Consistent with the Archdiocesan Policy for the Protection of Children and Young People promulgated in October 2012, these allegations were reported to law enforcement, which, after a lengthy investigation, declined to press charges.
The allegations were also reviewed by the Archdiocesan Office of Investigations, the Office for Child and Youth Protection and the Office of the Vicar for Clergy. Those offices made a joint recommendation, approved by the Archdiocesan Professional Responsibility Review Board, and presented to the Archbishop, who decided to restrict Father Paul’s ministry so that he would have no unsupervised contact with minors pending the outcome of the internal Archdiocesan investigation that was in progress. Notification of his restrictions was made to administrators at the parish and the parish school. A monitoring and support plan was implemented and followed throughout that time.
On November 6, 2013, Father Paul resigned as pastor of Our Lady of Calvary Parish, Philaldelphia, where he had been serving since 2000. He came to that decision of his own accord during the course of the Archdiocesan investigation regarding this alleged abuse.
Information Regarding Today’s Announcement
Following Father Paul’s resignation he moved to a private residence. He was not assigned to any parish and was not in active ministry. He continued to adhere to a monitoring and support plan. Subsequently, the Archdiocese received multiple, new allegations that Father Paul had sexually abused minors over 30 years ago. These allegations were reported to the appropriate district attorney’s office. Father Paul will remain on administrative leave pending any possible action by law enforcement and a full internal investigation. In keeping with standing Archdiocesan policy, that internal investigation will not proceed until after law enforcement has concluded its process.
An announcement regarding Father Paul was made at Our Lady of Calvary Parish in Philadelphia last month to explain the circumstances surrounding his resignation. An additional announcement regarding his administrative leave was made at the parish this weekend.
Biographical Information
Father Paul is 67 years old. He was ordained in 1972. He served at the following parishes and schools: Saint Alphonsus, Maple Glen (1972-1974); Faculty, Archbishop Kennedy High School (1974-1975); Saint Isaac Jogues, Wayne (1974-1975); Faculty, Bishop McDevitt High School, Wyncote (1975-1986); Faculty, Saint James Catholic High School for Boys, Chester (1986-1990); Saint Robert, Chester (1986-1990); Faculty, Archbishop Kennedy High School (1990-1993); Saint Philip Neri, Lafayette Hill (1990-1995); Faculty, Kennedy-Kenrick High School, Norristown (1993-1997); Faculty, Archbishop Wood High School, Warminster (1997-2000); Saint Andrew, Newton (1997-2000); Our Lady of Calvary, Philadelphia (2000-2013); placed on administrative leave (2013).
To Make a Report
To report an allegation of sexual abuse, contact your local law enforcement agency and the Office for Investigations at 1-888-930-9010.
To report a violation of The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries, contact the Archdiocesan Office for Investigations at 1-888-930-9010.
We recognize that this public notice may be painful to victims of sexual violence. If you need support or assistance, victim services and referrals are available to you through the Victim Assistance Office of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 1-888-800-8780 or philavac@archphila.org.
http://archphila.org/HHHIC/hhhic.php
HONESTY, HEALING AND HOPE IN CHRIST
CONFRONTING SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN OUR ARCHDIOCESE
What follows the two headings above at this website is over two dozen archdiocesan announcements over the past two years…….
Two questions in this holy season: Where is the HONESTY? and When did it ever become OUR archdiocese?
Hi C4C
The article wasn’t very clear as to if these are new priest being removed or from a new investigation.
Do we know if their will be another follow up article to clarify which duties etc will be with drawn from these priest?
As a Practicing Catholic, it is becoming increasingly hard to stand by the beliefs that were instilled into me as a child.
Maggie the article is a bit confusing I would imagine that there will be another article tomorrow with some follow up. These removal/reinstatement decisions were from the investigations which have been going on since shortly after the 2011 GJ report.
The comment above with the announcement of Fr Paul’s suspension is unrelated to that investigation.
I love catholicphilly.com and how they minimized this. The lead says 2 of 7 priests returned to ministry. Classic move from this Archbishop and a bogus review board. I love the “Spin” …..“rigorous investigative process” found that Father Navit “more likely than not” violated “The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries,” ……. I more likely than not stopped at Wawa for coffee!
rigorous investigative process” found that Father Navit “more likely than not” violated “The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries,” ……. Exactly what does that mean, if he is declared “suitable”
I guess it means the same as this article? So 2 of the reinstated were actually found guilty of violating the Standards and another priest who had been reinstated was within a few weeks suspended again and now is permanently removed…good odds
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/10/15/philadelphia-priest-accused-of-child-sexual-abuse-reinstated/
Michael – I was just about to post the same thing. If 2 out of 7 doctors recommended a medical procedure, how confident would you be? If you got 2 answers correct out of 7 questions on a test, you would fail. The spin is never ending!
It is never ending and absolutely a slap in the face to victims, survivors and the devout! There is ZERO transparency!