Archdiocesan
Files of Rev. Joseph E. Birmingham
Letter to Chancery about Salem Allegations | Page 1
January 17, 1970
Letter by Rev. Patrick J. Kelly to Rev. John J. Jennings, head of the Priests'
Personnel Board. Kelly is consulting with Jennings about rumors of sexual abuse
by Rev. Joseph E. Birmingham at St. James parish in Salem. Kelly had mentioned
the rumors to Jennings in November 1969, and they first circulated in 1967.
Kelly has spoken with parishioners, Sr. Grace Kenning (principal of the parish
school), Rev. Patrick H. Curtin (pastor), and Birmingham himself. Curtin has
written to Jennings requesting that Birmingham be transferred.
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