Seven new members appointed to Philadelphia Archdiocese board reviewing sex abuse allegations

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has appointed seven new people to the board that reviews sexual abuse allegations. The board is responsible for advising the Philadelphia Archbishop on matters related to sex abuse allegations. 

The archdiocese has announced seven new members, bringing the board total to eleven. In a statement, Archbishop Chaput said the individuals, both Catholic and non-Catholic, have varied backgrounds that will provide objective, expert advice.  Take retired prosecutor Arnold Gordon–not a Catholic, but was responsible for supervising a grand jury investigation with the Archdiocese when he was a First Assistant District Attorney. 

“I’ve had a lot of experience conducting investigations and making credibility determinations,” said Gordon.

He says his main goal—and the boards’–is protecting the victims of sexual abuse. 

“This is work that I feel is enabling me to make a contribution again, back to this community,” he said.

Gordon says, for now,  the board meets once a month. 

Members are appointed for renewable four or five-year terms.