5 Priests May Be Defrocked after Church Investigation

My Fox Philly
May 4, 2012

http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/Philadelphia_Priests_defrocked_Child_Abuse_Accusation_Investigation_050412


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PHILADELPHIA - Five priests accused of sexually abusing children cannot continue to serve, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces due to a 15-month investigation that is still ongoing.

In all, 26 priests have been awaiting word on their fate since being placed on leave by Cardinal Justin Rigali, the former leader of the archdiocese, back in February 2011.

On Friday, the current leader of Philadelphia Catholics said the church's review of the accusations is "largely complete," and he was ready to announce the disposition of nine out of the 26 cases.

"Three priests have been found suitable for ministry," Chaput told assembled reporters. "Five priests will not return to ministry, although they retain the right to appeal this decision to the Holy See (The Vatican). A ninth priest is now deceased, and his case cannot be concluded."

Chaput said the remaining 17 cases "cannot be announced today."

Explaining why, the archbishop said the task of investigating past allegations of sexual misconduct is complex and time-consuming.

"It cannot be hurried or abbreviated without violating the whole purpose of the review," Chaput said, noting that the church has been very limited as to what it can say by legal proceedings and a gag order put in place to protect those proceedings.

"We cooperate fully with law enforcement, and we refer all of our local cases to the local district attorney," Chaput said. "Six of the 26 cases have not yet been cleared by law enforcement, so our own internal investigation has not begun. In two more of the 26 cases, we just recently received clearance from law enforcement, and our internal investigation is now proceeding."

As for the last nine cases, all of those investigations are complete.

"The cases are either awaiting examination by the archdiocesan review board or a decision by me. As a result, these will be announced very soon," Chaput said.

The archdiocese called its process "thorough, impartial and fair," saying its investigative team has reviewed more than 400,000 documents and interviewed 227 witnesses.

Chaput said he cannot provide more detail out of respect to victims, FOX 29's Sean Tobin reported.

Church officials reiterated that the priests who face potential defrocking can appeal. If that is unsuccessful that may live under some form of supervision or live a life of prayer.