Alleged Philly Pedophile Priests Still Active

Dozens of priests accused of sexual abuse are still preaching in Philadelphia, even after a scathing grand jury brought their presence to light. A grand jury last month lambasted the Philadelphia Archdiocese for keeping at least 37 priests credibly accused of improper behavior towards minors in positions that would bring them into contact with more potential victims. Three weeks later, most of those priests are still active in the ministry, the New York Times reports.

The grand jury report brought charges of rape or assault against two active priests, one former priest, and one parochial school teacher, but left the majority of the 37 unnamed. Cardinal Justin Rigali initially insisted there had been no allegations against any active priest. But six days later he placed three of the priests the grand jury had targeted on administrative leave, and hired an outside lawyer to investigate the allegations. “There is a tremendous sense of urgency here,” the lawyer promised.