Manayunk Priest Deemed Unfit After Sex Abuse Allegation Emerges

MANAYUNK, PHILADELPHIA — A priest who most recently served in Manayunk has been deemed unfit to serve after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor that occurred decades ago, according to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Reverend Christopher D. Lucas, 63, is accused of sexually abusing a minor more than 45 years ago, the archdiocese said. The archdiocese learned of the allegations in 2018.

Lucas most recently served at Saint John the Baptist Parish in Manayunk. He has been at the parish since 2013 and previously served there from 2006 to 2010.

Lucas was also a minor at the time of the alleged incident and had not been ordained.

The allegation was referred to law enforcement on the same day it was received. The archdiocese cooperated with authorities in the course of their work.

No criminal charges were and the required church investigation of Lucas was launched after authorities declined to press charges.

The Archbishop and the Archdiocesan Professional Responsibilities Review Board recommended to Archbishop Charles Chaput that Lucas be deemed unsuitable for ministry, which Chaput accepted.

Most recently Lucas served at Saint John the Baptist Parish and John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School. All parishioners at those locations have been notified.

Lucas was ordained in 1985.

In 2002, he was incardinated as a diocesan priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

He has served at the following parishes, schools, and offices in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia:

• Saint Christopher Parish, Philadelphia, 1997-2000
• Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Philadelphia, 2000-2002
• Saint Martha Parish, Philadelphia, 2002-2004
• Saint Hubert Catholic High School for Girls, Philadelphia, 2000-2004
• Bishop Shanahan High School, Downingtown, 2004-2005
• Saints Philip and James Parish, Exton, 2004-2005
• Old Saint Mary’s Parish, Philadelphia, 2005-2006
• Saint John the Baptist Parish, Philadelphia, 2006-2010, 2013-2019
• John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School2005-2010, 2013-2019
• Immaculate Conception Parish, Levittown, 2010-2013
• Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, Fairless Hills, 2010-2013

To report an allegation of sexual abuse or any other criminal activity perpetrated by a priest, deacon, employee, or volunteer of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, contact your local law enforcement agency and/or the Office for Investigations at 1-888-930-9010. To report a violation of The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries, contact the Archdiocesan Office for Investigations at 1-888-930-9010.