East Falls Priest Put On Leave, 'Unsuitable' For Ministry

PHILADELPHIA, PA - The pastor of an East Falls church has been placed on leave pending questions regarding his suitability for the ministry.

It’s the second time in five years that Father Steve Harris of St. Bridget Church has been placed on administrative leave, according to the Roxborough Review.

The announcement, posted to the church’s Facebook page on December 20, asked for “prayers,” and said that Stephen DeLacy, a reverend, would be taking over Harris’ duties.

“Recently, the Archdiocese was made aware of possible concerns regarding (Harris’) suitability for ministry at this time. In response, he has been placed on administrative leave...until the matter, which does not involve accusations of criminal activity, can be reviewed thoroughly.”

Harris was stationed at St. Isaac Logue in Wayne in 2011 when he was previously placed on leave, according to a report. That leave came in the wake of a grand jury report on clergy abuse. The archdiocese found the claims to be unfounded and Harris was again deemed “suitable for ministry.”

Church officials reiterated that concerns in the present case did not involve criminal activity.

The full text of the announcement is included below: