The Holy See has notified the Archdiocese of Philadelphia that the requests of William Dougherty and David Walls to be removed from the clerical state were granted.

In response to a credible accusation of sexual misconduct involving a minor, William Dougherty was removed from active ministry in 1999. Subsequently, he sought removal from the clerical state. William Dougherty functioned as a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from May 1969 to August 1999 during which time he served in the following parishes/schools: Saint Augustine, Bridgeport; All Saints Chapel, Philadelphia; Our Mother of Mercy Chapel, Philadelphia; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Doylestown; Mother of Divine Providence, King of Prussia; Nativity B.V.M., Warminster. While in the education apostolate William Dougherty was on the faculty of Cardinal Dougherty High School and Mercy Vocational High School and lived at the following parishes: Nativity B.V.M., Philadelphia; Nazareth Academy Convent; Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, Philadelphia; Holy Child, Philadelphia; Holy Angels, Philadelphia; Saint Jerome, Philadelphia.

Removal from the clerical state means that in accord with canon law William Dougherty is no longer incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and he is unable to function as a priest anywhere.

In response to a credible accusation of sexual misconduct involving a minor, David Walls was removed from active ministry in 2002. Subsequently, he sought removal from the clerical state. David Walls functioned as a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from May 1960 to April 2002 during which time he served at All Saints Chapel, Philadelphia. While in the education apostolate David Walls was on the faculty of Roman Catholic High School, served in the Office of Catholic Education and lived at the following parishes: Saint Matthias, Bala Cynwyd; Saint John Neumann, Bryn Mawr.

Removal from the clerical state means that in accord with canon law David Walls is no longer incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and he is unable to function as a priest anywhere.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia realizes that this information may be painful for those who have experienced sexual abuse and encourages anyone who wishes to make a report of sexual abuse of a minor to contact the Victim Assistance Program at 1-888-800-8780.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747