Father David Danneker
Diocese of Harrisburg
Recent Assignments in the Diocese of Harrisburg:
- Vicar General of the Diocese / Moderator of the Curia
- Prince of Peace parish (Steelton, PA)
- Good Shepherd parish (Camp Hill, PA)
- St. John Neumann (Lancaster, PA)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father David Danneker:
On Friday, July 23, 2021, the Diocese of Harrisburg quietly announced that Fr. David Danneker, the Vicar General of the Diocese and pastor at Prince of Peace parish, had been placed on leave following a report of sexual abuse and misconduct. In October 2023, the Diocese against quietly published on its website that the report was deemed credible and that Father Dannker has been permanently removed from the ministry.
Little information about the allegation was initially provided by the Diocese of Harrisburg in 2021, except to say that the alleged victim is an adult female, and that the incident did not involve child sexual abuse. In the October 2023 disclosure on its website, the Diocese reported that the misconduct involved an adult female college student under his pastoral care. Following an internal canonical process under church law, Danneker was “found guilty of soliciting sexual activity within the context of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” As a result, a canonical penalty was imposed and Father Danneker has been permanently removed from ministry. He is required to live the rest of his life in prayer and penance.
The Diocese of Harrisburg filed for Chapter 11 federal bankruptcy protection in 2020, citing the potential financial exposure in numerous child sexual abuse lawsuits filed against it. Prior to his removal, Danneker was actively participating in discussions with sexual abuse survivors and their attorneys to resolve the Diocese of Harrisburg’s bankruptcy proceeding.
Danneker, who was second in command at the Diocese of Harrisburg, was also appointed to run the Diocese of Harrisburg temporarily in early 2019 after Bishop Ronald Gainer underwent double knee surgery.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg and throughout Pennsylvania. The Diocese of Harrisburg filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your legal options today.