Others said that at a time when allegations of sexual abuse have threatened the church's credibility, anything that could be seen as a conflict of interest should have been made public.
O'Gorman has denied the accusations against him. He left the priesthood in 1994, before church officials made an official determination in the case.
His friendship with Burke was first reported Saturday in the Chicago Tribune.
Burke pointed to her strong stance against abusive priests and those who hide abuse, particularly in a February report chastising the church.
"It flies in the face of common sense to say I could be influenced when the results of my report disclose what an advocate I am for children and victims," she said.
Fellow board members praised Burke.
"She has been one of the toughest people on the church," said Leon Panetta, a former congressman.
"I don't think this relationship affected her judgment."
David Clohessy, a spokesman for the Survivors Network of those Abused By Priests, said it was important for Burke to reveal the information, because she sits on a board that was formed to restore confidence in the church.
