Rhode Island AG releases report on clerical sex abuse in Diocese of Providence

The report identified 75 credibly accused clergy who allegedly abused more than 300 victims between 1950 and 2011.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Rhode Island Attorney General's office has published a 284-page report on sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence, capping a six-year investigation that began in 2019 through a voluntary agreement with the diocese. The report identified 75 credibly accused clergy - 61 diocesan priests and deacons, 13 religious order members and one extern priest - who allegedly abused more than 300 victims between 1950 and 2011. Criminal charges have been brought against four current and former priests, with three awaiting trial.

Why it matters

The report highlights the ongoing issue of clergy sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, even decades after the initial revelations. It calls for reforms to prevent and address such abuse, including an independent survivor compensation fund, a monitoring program for accused clergy, and improved internal investigation policies.

The details

The report was the product of a voluntary cooperation between the Rhode Island Attorney General's office and the Diocese of Providence, as outlined in a 2019 memorandum of understanding. While the diocese claims the report documents 'historical cases of abuse' and that there is no evidence of recent child sexual abuse by clergy, the Attorney General says the 'pain that survivors and their families suffer knows no statute of limitations' and that the diocese engaged in a 'well-worn pattern of protecting the reputation of the Church and its priests over the welfare of children'.

  • The investigation began in 2019 through a voluntary agreement with the diocese.
  • The report was released on March 4, 2026.

The players

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha

The Rhode Island Attorney General who published the report on sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski

The current Bishop of Providence who acknowledged the 'trauma and pain' caused by the abuse and apologized to the victim-survivors.

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin

The former Bishop of Providence who initiated the 2019 memorandum of understanding with the Attorney General's office.

Diocese of Providence

The Catholic diocese in Rhode Island that cooperated with the Attorney General's investigation and published a detailed response to the report.

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What they’re saying

“What I share with you today is far from new, but each time we hear about it, the trauma and pain are made real once again for victims-survivors and their loved ones.”

— Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, Bishop of Providence (Diocese of Providence website)

“The Diocese would have you believe that this report is historical; that child sexual abuse by clergy members is a thing of the past and not worth drudging up. To that I say: the pain that survivors and their families suffer knows no statute of limitations, and history always has something to teach us.”

— Peter F. Neronha, Rhode Island Attorney General (Press statement)

“Clergy sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence occurred on an abhorrent, staggering scale and the Diocese of Providence engaged in a well-worn pattern of protecting the reputation of the Church and its priests over the welfare of children.”

— Peter F. Neronha, Rhode Island Attorney General (Press statement)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow one of the accused priests out on bail.

The takeaway

This report underscores the ongoing need for accountability, transparency, and reforms within the Catholic Church to address the longstanding issue of clergy sexual abuse and protect vulnerable children and communities.