5 Philadelphia Priests Removed, 1 Placed on Leave Following Sexual Abuse, Church Violation Allegations

By Jonathan Grass
The Al.com
December 16, 2013

http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/12/5_philadelphia_priests_removed.html



PHILADELPHIA -- Five Philadelphia priests have been removed from the archdiocese while another was placed on administrative leave following allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct.

NBC 10 Philadelphia reports these removals resulted from an investigation following a grand jury investigation of an incident in February 2011. They were announced Sunday afternoon.

One of the priests was reportedly placed on leave in March 2011 for alleged behavioral violations but was later found suitable for ministry. New allegations of sexually abusing a minor surfaced as he prepared to return to a parish in May 2012.

Two other priests were also accused of sexually abusing a minor. These claims could not be substantiated, and they were removed for allegedly violating the “standards of ministerial behavior and boundaries."

The other two removed priests were accused of violating church standards and were not accused of any sexual misconduct.

The incidents that led to another reverend to go on administrative leave came from accusations made more than 40 years ago. These are unrelated to the current grand jury report. The allegations were turned over to the district attorney’s office.

Click here for NBC 10 Philadelphia’s full report.