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| Archdiocese of Philadelphia Announces New Review Board Chair, Vice Chair, and Members
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia
October 17, 2012
http://archphila.org/press%20releases/pr002047.php
Former Philadelphia prosecutor Robert Spinelli to serve as chair;
former Philadelphia First Assistant District Attorney Arnold Gordon to serve as vice chair;
Reverend Stephen Leva and Christine Campbell to serve as Review Board members
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today that Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has appointed former Philadelphia prosecutor Robert Spinelli as the new chair and former Philadelphia First Assistant District Attorney Arnold Gordon as the new vice chair of the Archdiocesan Review Board. Both Mr. Spinelli and Mr. Gordon have served on the Review Board since June of 2011.
Dr. Ana Maria Catanzaro and Rev. Msgr. Thomas Owens recently completed their terms of service on the Review Board. Archbishop Chaput has appointed Christine Campbell, RN, the Trauma Program Manager at Saint Christopher's Hospital for Children, and Rev. Stephen Leva, Pastor of Saint Timothy Parish in Philadelphia to fill the seats they vacated.
In making these announcements, Archbishop Chaput said, "The work of the Archdiocesan Review Board is critical to our efforts to protect children and young people. Our Archdiocese is privileged to benefit from the talent of its members, each of whom serves with dedication and passion. I'm grateful to Dr. Ana Maria Catanzaro and Msgr. Thomas Owens for their extraordinary service during a very difficult time in the life of our local Church."
He continued, "I'm confident that Mr. Spinelli and Mr. Gordon have the right mix of leadership skills, professional background, and energy to serve as chair and vice chair. Lastly, I'm pleased that Father Steve Leva and Christine Campbell have agreed to serve on the Review Board. It's a position that will demand much of their time and talent and I know they have the expertise necessary to make positive, impactful contributions to the Board's work."
The Archdiocesan Review Board was established in accord with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms, and is comprised of psychologists, social workers, educators, retired law enforcement agents, health care professionals, parents and one pastor. This group functions as a confidential, advisory committee to the Archbishop. It assesses allegations of sexual abuse as well as allegations of violations of The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries and makes recommendations regarding suitability for ministry. It also assists in the continual review of Archdiocesan policies and procedures related to these matters.
Through careful analysis of each case, the Board assists the Archbishop in ensuring that no priest with a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor will serve in active ministry. The Board also ensures that all allegations of sexual abuse of minors are first reported to law enforcement.
The Archdiocesan Review Board now consists of twelve total members, each of whom is appointed to serve a four-year or five-year term, which is renewable. Biographical information for all members can be found below.
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