Father Leonard Peterson
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Ordained: 1967
Removed: 2011
Returned to ministry: 2012
Retired (in good standing): 2012
Assigned as follows:
- Corpus Christi (Philadelphia, PA)
- Holy Angels (Philadelphia, PA)
- Chaplain, Boy Scouts of America
- Nativity B.V.M. (Philadelphia, PA)
- Cardinal O'Hara High School (Springfield, PA)
- Chaplain, Serra Club of Philadelphia
- Archbishop Ryan High School
- St. Patrick (Norristown, PA)
- St. Isidore (Quakertown, PA)
- Lansdale Catholic High School (Lansdale, PA)
- Westchester University
- St. Bridget (Philadelphia, PA)
- St. Anastasia (Newtown Square, PA)
- St. Maria Goretti (Hatfield, PA)
Summary of Allegations against Father Leonard Peterson:
Father Leonard Peterson was ordained a priest in 1967 and served in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He served in multiple parishes throughout his career. According to media reports, he was one of 21 active priests removed from ministry in 2011 following a review of Archdiocese of Philadelphia files for prior complaints of sexual abuse. Other than to say that the Peterson allegations related to "violations of The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries," the Archdiocese of Philadelphia offering no information about the allegations against Peterson.
According to statements from the Archdiocese, "[v]iolations of the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries include the introduction of pornography, tobacco, alcohol or drugs to a minor, taking pictures of a child while unclothed, or exploiting a child for sexual purposes."
According to media reports, in 2012, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's internal review board concluded that the allegation(s) against Peterson were "unsubstantiated." Archbishop Charles Chaput returned Peterson to ministry in July 2012, though he technically retired voluntarily at that time.
Peterson is still living and now assists in the Diocese of Camden (New Jersey).
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.