Father Joseph Glatts
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Ordained: 1966
Suspended: 2011
Permanently restricted: 2013
Died: 2024
Assigned as follows:
- 1966-1967: St. Anthony of Padua (Philadelphia, PA)
- 1967-1968: St. Alphonsus (Philadelphia, PA)
- 1967-1971: St. John Neumann High School
- 1968-1971: St. Irenaeus (Philadelphia, PA)
- 1969-1971: Chaplain, Pennsylvania National Guard
- 1971-1976: Resurrection of Our Lord (Chester, PA)
- 1971-1976: St. James High School (Chester, PA)
- 1976-1999: Chaplain, U.S. Air Force
- 1999-2000: St. Joseph (Aston, PA)
- 2000-2008: St. Andrew (Drexel Hill, PA)
- 2008-2011: Ss. Simon and Jude (West Chester, PA)
Summary of Allegations against Father Joseph Glatts:
Father Joseph Glatts was one of 21 clergy suspended from ministry in 2011 following the release of the Philadelphia 2011 Grand Jury Report, which identified more than 30 priests still in active ministry despite allegations of sexual abuse. No information was provided by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as to the nature and details of the allegation(s) against Glatts.
In 2013, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's internal review board concluded that Glatts had not committed "sexual misconduct" as defined by their internal policies, but he did act in violation of ministerial standards and was therefore unfit to return to ministry. Glatts was placed on permanent restriction shortly thereafter, as recommended by the review board.
No additional information about the purported violation of standards was provided to the public, except for a general statement that priests removed for that reason generally had "boundary issues with children." According to media reports, "Church officials have declined to release details on specific accusations but say boundary issues can include inappropriate talk or contact, sharing alcohol or pornography with minors or other conduct that may be construed as "grooming" a victim."
Because the allegation(s) brought to the review board did not involve sexual abuse of a minor child, Glatts' name does not appear on any of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's lists of credibly accused priests.
Glatts died on November 29. 2004. He last resided at Villa St. Joseph retirement home with priests accused of sexual abuse of minors.
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.