Father Steven Harris
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Ordained: 1980
Suspended: 2011, 2015
Returned to ministry: 2012
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Steven Harris:
Father Steven Harris was one of 21 priests suspended from ministry following the release of the 2011 grand jury report that identified more than 30 active priests with prior allegations of abuse. No information was offered to the public about the details of the allegation, so it unclear when the abuse was alleged to have occurred, or the age/gender of the victim(s).
After an internal investigation,in 2012, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia determined that the allegation(s) against Harris could not be substantiated, and deemed him fit to return to ministry. He was assigned to several new parishes in the years that followed.
Harris was removed from ministry for a second time in late 2015 after “concerns arose about his fitness for ministry,” according to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia spokesperson. No additional information was offered except to say that it was unrelated to any criminal activity or an allegation of inappropriate contact with a minor child.
Harris’ name does not appear on any of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s lists of credibly accused priests. Therefore, his current status with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is unknown.
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 Philadelphia now have legal options to recover damages due to a compensation fund created for victims. Contact us at (954) 641-2100 or [email protected] today.