Archdiocesan Files of Rev. Joseph E. Birmingham
Notes by Bishops Mulcahy and Banks on Allegations

February 12, 1987

Bishop Mulcahy met with a boy who claimed to have been abused by Rev. Joseph E. Birmingham at St. Ann's in Gloucester MA. The boy's mother said that "another boy might be involved with Fr. Birmingham." Bishop Banks discussed the allegation with Birmingham, who "admitted there had been some difficulty" and agreed to resign. Banks recommended a therapist to Mulcahy for the boy. Five days later, Birmingham was put on sick leave. The archdiocese appears to have concluded a meager settlement with this survivor, including a release of all claims, despite Birmingham's admission of guilt. When another St. Ann's parishioner wrote to Law on April 4, 1987, having heard that Birmingham left St. James in Salem in 1970 because of abuse allegations, McCormack's response did not confirm that rumor. Neither did McCormack admit that Birmingham left St. Ann's because of new allegations.

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