Back in February 2011, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia ordered the investigation of 37 priests for child sexual abuse. While the investigation of these men were on-going, 21 priests were placed on leave the following month for credible allegations of child sexual abuse.
The Rev. Michael Chapman, 56, was one of the 21 priests placed on leave while the allegations against him were investigated. Fr. Chapman, who was the pastor of Ascension of Our Lord Parish in Philadelphia, was set to return to his post after he was thought to be suitable to return to active duty. However, shortly before he was to return, the Philadelphia Archdiocese received new, credible allegations of sexual abuse in May 2012. The new allegations reportedly occurred 30 years ago. According to reports, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia immediately reported the new allegations to law enforcement and delayed Fr. Chapman's return to his parish.
Fr. Chapman has not been criminally charged but has been placed on leave for the second time. It is unclear where Fr. Chapman was assigned when the alleged abuse took place.
Fr. Chapman was ordained in 1982 and has served at the following parishes, schools, and offices throughout Philadelphia and its' surrounding areas:
St. Bonaventure (Philadelphia) 1982-1986 (St. Bonaventure's was closed in 1993)
Little Flower high school (Philadelphia) 1983-1985
St. Agnes (West Chester) 1986-1990
St. Henry (Philadelphia) 1990-1991 (St. Henry's was also closed in 1993)
Priest Vocation Coordinator for the Hispanic Apostolate 1990-1994
Hispanic Ministry Coordinator for Montgomery County 1991-1992
St. Veronica (Philadelphia) 1994-1999
Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul (Philadelphia) 1999-2001
Ascension of Our Lord (Philadelphia) 2001-2011 (Ascension of Our Lord was closed in September 2012)
On leave 2011-present
If you have any information on any child abuser, priest or not, please don't wait to share your information with law enforcement.
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