Rhode Island Clergy Abuse Report Brings Vindication and Renewed Demands

Survivors speak out about decades of abuse and cover-up within the Catholic Diocese of Providence

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A report released by the Rhode Island Attorney General detailed decades of sexual abuse by 75 clergy members against more than 300 children in the state's Catholic Diocese of Providence since 1950. Survivors say the numbers only capture part of the story, as many spent decades searching for answers and pressing authorities to investigate. Some are now speaking publicly about the abuse they endured and what they hope will come next, including broader support, help from the church to pay for therapy, and accountability from Catholic leaders.

Why it matters

The Rhode Island investigation comes at a time when examining possible clergy abuse is no longer unusual, but the Diocese of Providence maintained secrecy around such allegations for decades, even as lawsuits surfaced over the years. The report has renewed hope for survivors that change and justice are still possible, despite the long struggle to be heard and the lasting trauma they face.

The details

The report drew on thousands of church records and years of interviews with victims and witnesses, identifying 75 clergy members who sexually abused more than 300 children since 1950. Survivors describe memories that have lingered for decades, such as the sound of a nurse's office door opening, light reflecting off stained-glass windows, and fear of getting on the school bus. Many survivors spent years searching for answers and pressing authorities to investigate, only to face skepticism and hostility from church leaders when they came forward.

  • The report was released on March 6, 2026.
  • The abuse detailed in the report occurred between 1950 and the present day.

The players

Dr. Herbert "Hub" Brennan

An internal medicine doctor who was sexually abused as a child by Rev. Brendan Smyth, an Irish priest who arrived in the community in the 1960s. Brennan later worked to seek accountability and ensure others knew what was happening in the diocese.

Claude Leboeuf

An advocate for victims in Rhode Island who was abused by a priest as a child in neighboring Massachusetts. Leboeuf called the report an important step toward dismantling the church's "wall of secrecy" and said there is a need to provide real support, such as money, tuition, and therapy, for survivors.

Ann Hagan Webb

A survivor who was sexually abused by a parish priest in Rhode Island from the age of 5 to 12. Webb later became an advocate for survivors of clergy abuse, helping to pass legislation that allows child sexual abusers to be held civilly accountable to victims.

Bishop of Providence Bruce Lewandowski

The current Bishop of Providence who, in a video statement, said the report describes a "tragic history" of abuse that caused lasting harm to victims and their families, and that he felt "extreme sadness" and "intense shame" while reading it.

Tim Conlon

An attorney who has long represented sex abuse victims in Rhode Island and said that when he first filed suits against the Diocese of Providence, many people were unwilling to believe such allegations could be true in their own parishes.

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What they’re saying

“I can still hear the click of the hardware in that metal door opening to this very day.”

— Dr. Herbert "Hub" Brennan, Internal Medicine Doctor

“There's a need to do something for these people — something real: money, tuition, therapy. The effects are real; they last a long, long time.”

— Claude Leboeuf, Advocate for Victims

“For 32 years, the diocese has called me not credible. I can't tell you what that feels like.”

— Ann Hagan Webb, Survivor and Advocate

“Clearly there's a call for reform. The magnitude of the need is well documented.”

— Tim Conlon, Attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow any of the accused clergy members out on bail.

The takeaway

This report highlights the long-lasting trauma and struggle for justice that survivors of clergy abuse have faced, even as the Catholic Church has maintained a culture of secrecy around such allegations. The renewed calls for accountability, support, and reform underscore the need for systemic change to protect children and provide healing for those who have been harmed.