Local Priest Under Investigation by the Archdiocese

A priest with local ties was on the list released by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Wednesday in connection with the church sex-abuse scandal.

Rev. Joseph M. Glatts, formerly of St. Andrew Parish, Drexel Hill, now at Saints Simon and Jude rectory in West Chester, is one of the 21 priests in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia who has been placed on administrative leave. Those on leave face accusations of inappropriate behavior or boundary issues with minors, or of more serious abuse, according to archdiocesan Director of Communications Donna Farrell.

A grand jury report released last month stated dozens of priests remained in active ministry even though what the jury deemed credible allegations had been lodged against them.

"In each case, the next step is a thorough indepedent investigation," according to a press release from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The statement included portions of yesterday's press release, including Cardinal Rigali's emphasis that "administrative leaves are interim measures. They are not in any way final determinations or judgments." 

"I know that for many people their trust in the Church has been shaken," Rigali stated in the press release. "I pray that the efforts of the Archdiocese to address these cases of concern and to re-evaluate our way of handling allegations will help rebuild that trust in truth and justice."