Father Michael Chapman
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Ordained: 1982
Placed on leave: 2011
Reinstated: 2012
Suspended: 2012
Permanently restricted: 2012
Laicized: 2017
Assigned as follows:
- 1982-1986: Saint Bonaventure (Philadelphia, PA)
- 1983-1985: Little Flower High School
- 1986-1990: Saint Agnes (West Chester, PA)
- 1990-1991: Saint Henry (Philadelphia, PA)
- 1990-1994: The Hispanic Apostolate
- 1991-1992: Hispanic Ministry Coordinator for Montgomery County
- 1994-1999: Saint Veronica (Philadelphia, PA)
- 1999-2001: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
- 2001-2011: Ascension of Our Lord (Philadelphia, PA)
- 2011: Placed on administrative leave
Summary of Allegations Against Father Michael Chapman:
Father Michael Chapman was ordained a priest in 1982 and served in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He served in multiple parishes throughout his career. According to media reports, in March 2011 he was one of 21 priests placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation into allegations involving sexual abuse or inappropriate behavior with minors. The suspensions came shortly after the release of the second grand jury report, which identified more than 30 priests in active ministry who had been accused of sexual misconduct.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia stated that the 2011 allegations accusing him of violating standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries were unsubstantiated. He was found suitable to return to ministry until new allegations arose in 2012. According to media reports, in the new allegations, the abuse reportedly occurred approximately thirty years prior. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia immediately reported the new allegations to law enforcement and delayed Father Chapman's return to the parish. He was returned to administrative leave. In 2013, the internal review board found him to be unsuitable for ministry and he was permanently barred from future ministry.
Chapman was laicized in 2014. He is alive and believed to be residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so please do not delay in reaching out to us.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today.