Father John Bowe
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Ordained: 1973
Placed on leave: 2011
Assigned as follows:
- 1973-1977: Saint Agnes (West Chester, PA)
- 1977-1982: Saint Bridget (Philadelphia, PA)
- 1980-1982: John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School
- 1982-1987: Blessed Virgin Mary (Darby, PA)
- 1983-2004: Military Chaplain, Pennsylvania National Guard
- 1987-1989: Holy Martyrs (Oreland, PA)
- 1989-2005: Saint Agnes (Sellersville, PA)
- 2005-2011: Saint Joseph (Warrington, PA)
Summary of Allegations Against Fr. John Bowe:
Fr. John Bowe was ordained a priest in 1973 and served in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He served in multiple parishes throughout his career. According to media reports, in
Father John Bowe was one of 21 priests placed on administrative leave by Philadelphia archdiocese in 2011 pending investigation for credible allegations involving sexual abuse or inappropriate behavior with minors. The suspensions came after the publication of the second grand jury report, which identified more than 30 priests in active ministry with allegations of sexual misconduct in their past.
No information was released as to the nature and details of the allegation(s) against Bowe.
According to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, he was later found “unsuitable for ministry” in 2012 due to a violation of the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries. No additional information about those violations 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.”
Bowe is no longer in active ministry but his current affiliation with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, if any, is unknown.
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