Fr. Philip Steigerwald

Ordained: 1976
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Portland OR

A man sued the archdiocese in 2002 alleging that he had been abused by Steigerwald in 1978 on a long trip. The suit alleges the archdiocese knew prior to the abuse that Steigerwald was a danger to teenage boys and failed to notify parishioners. Plaintiff’s attorney said Steigerwald left the church “under less than honorable circumstances” in 1981. Per diocese spokesman, he just took a leave of absence. Steigerwald died in 1992 after being struck by a car. Archdiocese paid $450K in 2003 to settle the suit.


Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.