Philly diocese finds 2 more priests unsuitable for ministry

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has found two more priests unsuitable for ministry following the investigation that was opened after the 2011 grand jury report detailing accusations of sexual abuse by four clergy members and a teacher.

The two, Rev. John Bowe and Rev. David Givey, were among six clergy members whose resolutions were announced today; They were part of an initial list of more than 20 priests being investigated for misconduct. Eight cases were resolved in May.

Revs. Paul Castellani, Msgr. John Close, Steven Harris and Leonard Peterson have been found suitable for ministry after the diocese determined misconduct claims against them are unsubstantiated.

 

“In making these decisions I relied on the counsel of numerous experts in two separate bodies-the Multi-Disciplinary Team and the Archdiocesan Review Board,” Archbishop Charles Chaput said about today’s resolution.

The MDT reviewed the cases after clearance from the priests’ local district attorneys. Other cases from the initial list of priests remain in their local enforcement agencies’ hands. According to the diocese, there is no clear indication about when to expect those decisions.

Bowe and Givey will remain out of the public ministry for their violation of the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries. The diocese said there is no substantiated allegation of sexual abuse against either priest.