Archdiocese Removes 2 More Priests
Philadelphia Priests, James Collins & John Paul, Removed From Ministry
According to a February 23, 2014 Philadelphia Archdiocese press release, James J. Collins and John P. Paul have been deemed unsuitable for ministry due to substantiated allegations they sexually abused minors over 40 years ago. These two priests were not part of the 20+ group of priests placed on administrative leave after the Philadelphia Grand Jury’s 2011 report. Click here to read a brief history of the Philadelphia priest sex abuse scandal.
According to the Archdiocese, after the 2011 Grand Jury report was released, sexual abuse reports surfaced involving Father Collins and Father Paul. In May 2013, the Archdiocese announced that Father Collins was placed on administrative leave pending an Archdiocese investigation into reports that he sexually abused a minor some 40 years ago. In December 2013, the Archdiocese announced that Father Paul was also placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into similar reports.
Philadelphia Priest Father James J. Collins
Click here to read about Father John P. Paul.
James Collins is 75 years old and was ordained 50 years ago, in 1964. He was working at Holy Family University in 2013 when he was placed on administrative leave. He has also served at the following Philadelphia area churches and schools:
- Saint John the Evangelist, Philadelphia (1964);
- Roman Catholic High School for Boys (from 1964-1965);
- Saint Paul, Philadelphia (from 1964-1965);
- Our Lady of Pompeii, Philadelphia (1965);
- Saint Stephen, Philadelphia (1966);
- Cardinal Dougherty High School, Philadelphia (from 1968-1969);
- Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia (from 1968-1975);
- Roman Catholic High School for Boys, Philadelphia (from 1969-1976);
- Saint Paul, Philadelphia (from 1975-1976);
- Saint Christopher, Philadelphia (1976);
- Holy Family University (from 1976-2013).
What to Do if You Have Information About Priest Sex Abuse
Anyone with any information about priest abuse, clergy abuse, child sexual abuse or sexual abuse is urged to contact the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office at 215-685-3252 (Special Victims Unit).
Related: Priest and Pastor Sex Abuse Cases in Pennsylvania, Is the Church Liable?
About Our Philadelphia Priest Sex Abuse Lawyer – Representation by a Former Sex Crimes Unit Prosecutor
Firm partner Brian Kent, is a former sex crimes unit prosecutor and now represents sex abuse victims in civil cases in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Please call for a free case review. 800.220.7600