PROVIDENCE (RI)
GoLocalProv [Providence RI]
June 2, 2026
By Arlene Violet, Columnist
The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed legislation to allow child sex abuse victims to sue the Catholic Church and other institutions that failed to protect them from pedophiles. As I write this, the Rhode Island Senate is dithering over whether to pass the legislation that would open a two-year revival window for claims that otherwise would have been barred by the statute of limitations. The Senate is also considering whether to ask the Supreme Court for an advisory opinion on the constitutionality of reviving time-barred civil claims in this context. It will be a shame if the Senate punts on this issue. Here’s why.
Attorney General Peter Nehrona’s report on clergy sexual abuse could only have happened because there is a mountain of evidence in the Diocese of Providence’s records which he sought and secured. Both he and the Honorable William Smith, former Chief Justice of the Federal Court, see no problem with a revival statute since the fear of opponents that priests couldn’t defend themselves because of poor record keeping is nonexistent. The rules of evidence protect defendants and place an appropriate burden on plaintiffs wishing to sue for any cause, let alone this one. Also, it is highly unlikely that the Court would render an advisory opinion in any event.GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE — SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Nothing saddens me more than the despicable record of the hierarchy of the catholic church who protected pedophiles at the expense of children. There were many great and dedicated priests whom I met during my 23 years as a Sister of Mercy who have had the shadow of doubt cast over them because of the actions of the perpetrators and the official church protecting the malefactors.
In a study last year, the United States Catholic Church spent over $5 billion on victim compensation and attorney fees in cases of clerical sex abuse of children from 2004 to 2020. And, 16% of claims were paid by insurance companies, so the figure is higher. The scandal certainly was widespread enough for even the laziest bishop not to miss. Four in five victims were male; one-fifth were female. 56% of the victims were between ages10-14 at the time the abuse was initiated or occurred. 20% were ages 9 and younger, and 24% were ages 15-17.
The Catholic Church has used the argument that they thought the priests could be cured. That excuse is lame since the priests were repeat offenders. Further, priests lived together in rectories, so their housemates were well aware of their penchant for abuse. Of the 4 priests I prosecuted criminally as Attorney General, each had a reputation known among the clergy. One reporting priest was threatened by the bishop for turning in his criminal colleague.
Accordingly, while it is rueful to have dioceses go bankrupt, the reality is that the malefactor superiors have to “pay the piper.” The parishioners paid their hard-earned money to keep the clerics in the style to which they had grown accustomed. The gravy train has to come to a halt. Victims should have their justice, albeit nothing could possibly make them whole.
One good thing that happened was that some in the hierarchy paid for programs to curb abuse from continuing, but these bishops and cardinals were few and far between.
In other ways, the Catholic church has been getting away with far too much. The “sleeping giant” story is about how many children were fathered by “Father” and the treatment these children received growing up. Further, no study has been done to examine if women impregnated by priests were counseled by their priest partner to secure an abortion, notwithstanding the church’s position.
As radical as this might sound, I think that the Vatican should be on the hook for payment also. After all, it is one unified church. Many clerics in Rome live like princes, including the late Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston, who disregarded the sexual abuse occurring in the diocese. He was promoted by being made Pastor of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome after his nonfeasance became public.
Victims should not have to carry the burden of supporting the trappings of the Church. The religion started out poor with Jesus Christ, humble fishermen, and few assets. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to return to its roots and principles, like protecting children first.