PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Philadelphia Inquirer
SULAIMAN ABDUR-RAHMAN, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
POSTED: Sunday, November 10, 2013
A pastor of a Northeast Philadelphia Catholic church who was accused of sexually abusing children 45 years ago has resigned and moved out of the parish’s residential premises, according to a memo to parishioners.
The Rev. John P. Paul, pastor of Our Lady of Calvary Parish since June 2000, voluntarily resigned “so that the best interest of the parish could be served,” according to the memo by Sister Mildred Chesnavage and Jeanne Costello, administrators of Our Lady of Calvary School. It is posted on the school’s website. Father Paul’s resignation also was expected to be announced at each Mass at the Knights Road church over the weekend.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia was made aware of the accusations against Father Paul earlier this year and immediately alerted law-enforcement officials, the school communication says. Authorities declined to press charges, the memo says.
Father Paul served as the parish’s pastor for 13 years.
“These allegations involved no member of OLC either 45 years ago or since,” says the memo on the school’s website, further asserting that the parish was and “continues to be a safe and welcoming environment.”
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