The Rev. Joseph Birmingham is accused of abusing dozens of children during his three decades in parish ministry in the Boston Archdiocese.
IN-DEPTH
Joseph Birmingham's trail of abuse
At least 50 men have come forward with claims they were abused by the late Rev. Joseph E. Birmingham during the priest's 29-year tour through the Boston Archdiocese. Called to the Chancery to face two of his accusers in the 1960s, Birmingham apologized for his behavior. He was later rotated through five additional parishes, where he continued to abuse. Birmingham died in 1989, but the archdiocese continues to receive complaints and settle lawsuits brought by his alleged victims.
Birmingham's career
1960 Ordained, Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston
1960-64 Our Lady of Fatima, Sudbury1964-70
St. James' Church, Salem1970-77
St. Michael's Church, Lowell1977-85
St. Columbkille's Church, Brighton1985-87
St. Ann's Church, Gloucester1987-89
St. Brigid's Church, LexingtonApril 19, 1989 Died, aged 55
Birmingham also served as juvenile court chaplain of Brighton Municipal Court.
March 24, 2002 Spotlight: Suit names archdiocese, N.H. bishop By Sacha Pfeiffer and Thomas Farragher, Globe Staff
A former Salem man who alleges he was sexually molested by Rev. Joseph Birmingham in the 1960s said that Bishop John McCormack saw the priest taking him to his rectory bedroom and did nothing to stop it.
April 4, 2002 Dozens more allege abuse by Birmingham By Sacha Pfeiffer, Globe Staff
More than two dozen alleged victims of the late Rev. Joseph Birmingham have come forward, some with accounts of how they fruitlessly complained about his compulsive molestation of children.
April 5, 2002 Law is new defendant in clergy abuse suit By Matt Carroll, Globe Staff
Cardinal Bernard Law and a retired monsignor were added as defendants yesterday to a lawsuit that now includes 14 alleged victims of the late Rev. Joseph Birmingham.
April 12, 2002 Law aides often dismissed complaints of clergy abuse By Sacha Pfeiffer, Globe Staff
Although the public's anger over the clergy sex abuse crisis has focused on Cardinal Bernard Law, it was also Law's lieutenants who often supported abusive priests such as Rev. Joseph Birmingham.
May 15, 2002 Victim recalls abuse at hands of priest By Bella English, Globe Staff
The Rev. Jospeh Birmingham stands accused of sexually molesting at least 40 boys in the various parishes throughout Greater Boston. For many victims, the memory of his alleged crimes lingers.
June 5, 2002 Memos reveal trail of charges against Birmingham By Sacha Pfeiffer, Globe Staff
The departure of Rev. Joseph Birmingham from Our Lady of Fatima Church was sudden, but if parishioners asked what had become of their parish priest, church officials had a tidy explanation.
October 30, 2002 In meeting with victims, Law begs forgiveness By Erica Noonan and Sacha Pfeiffer, Globe Staff
In an emotional encounter with men and women whose lives were shattered by Rev. Joseph Birmingham, Cardinal Bernard Law last night begged forgiveness from about 75 alleged victims.
