Sexual Abuse Claims Against 2 Cape Priests Are Credible: Diocese

BARNSTABLE, MA — Sexual abuse allegations against two Catholic priests with Cape Cod ties were deemed credible by the Diocese of Fall River.

Reverends James Buckley and Edward Byington, both retired, were added Monday to the Diocese's list of credibly accused clergy. Both priests were suspended, but now neither are allowed to return to ministry.

Neither former priest may take part in any public ministry, including the celebration of public Mass and other sacraments. They also cannot provide spiritual direction, wear clerical attire or present themselves as priests. Buckley and Byington both denied the allegations.

“My prayers remain with any and all who have suffered sexual abuse by clergy, especially as a minor,” said Bishop Edgar M da Cunha said in a statement. "Their pain is real and long-lasting, and perpetrators must be held accountable."

Buckley was ordained in 1959, and throughout the decades, worked in parishes in Orleans, Vineyard Haven, Buzzards Bay and Chatham before retiring in 2001. Byington was ordained in 1970 and had served in 10 parishes, including St. Francis Xavier in Hyannis. He retired in 2006.

Mitchell Garabedian, a Boston attorney representing Byington's accuser, told the Cape Cod Times the alleged abuse happened around 1971. Garabedian said his client met Byington on a religious retreat, and then drove the teen boy to a rectory in Taunton. The teen boy thought Byington was driving him home, Garabedian said. Details were not released for allegations against Buckley.

Throughout their retirement's, both priest had helped with masses in various parishes. Byington also taught German at St. Joseph's School in West Warwick, Rhode Island, but Diocese officials have since made the Diocese of Providence aware of the allegations in January 2020.