Philadelphia Diocese Removes 5 Priests, Suspends Another

The Pocono Record
December 16, 2013

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20131216/NEWS90/312160314/-1/NEWS01



The same day it announced the permanent removal of five priests from active ministry, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia said it had placed the Rev. John P. Paul, 67, on administrative leave for "multiple, new allegations" that he had sexually abused minors more than 30 years ago.

Paul had already had abuse allegations lodged against him late last year involving multiple accusers. Those accusations were referred to local law enforcement, which declined to prosecute after a "lengthy investigation," the diocese stated.

While the claims were being investigated, he was barred from unsupervised contact with minors, said Ken Gavin, a spokesman for the archdiocese. He had been allowed to continue in active ministry, but decided to retire last month.

Paul could not be reached for comment Sunday.

Also Sunday, church officials announced the review board had substantiated claims against five priests of sexual abuse or misconduct involving minors. All had been previously placed on leave and were deemed "unsuitable for active ministry" last week.

Two others were cleared by the board, paving the way for them to return to their posts.