Key Takeaways
- Father Timothy Gorton was accused of sexually abusing a 12-year old boy in 1983 while serving at St. Joseph Church in Cumberland.
- The Diocese of Providence determined the allegation was credible, and Gorton retired.
- Gorton is included on the Diocese of Providence’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence.
Who Was Father Timothy Gorton?
Born on February 6, 1956, Gorton was ordained on November 20, 1982.
Father Timothy Gorton was a priest of the Diocese of Providence who served in several Rhode Island parishes before being removed from public ministry in 2012 following a credible allegation of child sexual abuse.
He was never criminally prosecuted, as the statute of limitations had expired.
Gorton died in 2021.
Father Timothy Gorton’s Assignments
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report, Gorton’s assignments included:
- 1982–1984: St. Joseph Church, Cumberland
- 1984: St. Joseph Church, Newport
- 1984–1989: Our Lady of Providence Preparatory Seminary High School, Providence
- 1987–1989: St. Mark Church, Cranston
- 1989–1993: St. Ann Church, Cranston
- 1993–1997: St. Mary of the Bay Church, Warren
- 1997–2004: St. Francis of Assisi Church, Warwick
- 2004–2007: St. Joseph Church, Pawtucket
- 2007–2008: Medical Leave of Absence
- 2008–2012: St. Agatha Church, Woonsocket
- 2012: Suspended and Retired
Gorton is included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence, and the 2019 Diocese of Providence’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy.
Allegations Against Father Timothy Gorton
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report, “Father Timothy Gorton reportedly sexually abused a 12-year-old boy in 1983 in the rectory of St. Joseph Church in Cumberland, Rhode Island, and in Narragansett, Rhode Island.”
The survivor reported the abuse in 2012 to the police, and they forward the allegations to the Diocese. Law enforcement determined criminal charges could not be filed because the statute of limitations had expired.
Gorton reportedly denied the accusations.
According to the Attorney General’s Report, “Both the complainant and Gorton completed a polygraph. The complainant’s polygraph reportedly showed ‘no deception indicated’ while Gorton’s polygraph reportedly showed ‘deception indicated.’”
The Diocesan Review Board subsequently determined the allegation was credible. Gorton subsequently requested retirement “due to his health,” which the Bishop granted.
Gorton’s facilities were suspended, and the Diocese released a statement.
The Vatican ultimately chose not to laicize Gorton, but instead “directed him to live a ‘life of prayer and penance,’ effectively and permanently removing him from all public ministry.” Although Gorton later petitioned for a limited return to ministry, the Diocese never lifted those restrictions.
Readers seeking additional information regarding the allegations against Father Gorton and the Diocese’s response should review Appendix A of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence and the sources compiled by BishopAccountability.
Were You Harmed by Father Timothy Gorton?
Although Father Timothy Gorton died in 2021, survivors may still have legal options against the Diocese.
Rhode Island’s child sexual abuse revival window has created an opportunity for survivors to pursue civil claims that may have previously been barred by the statute of limitations.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors of clergy sexual abuse across the nation. Our team takes a trauma-informed approach to every case, ensuring survivors are heard, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process.
If you were abused by Father Timothy Goreton another clergy member, we encourage you to contact us today to learn about your legal options.
Every consultation is free and completely confidential.
📞 (866) 311-8640
📧 info@vca.law
Image source: Rev. Timothy Gorton, via Bishop Accountability. St. Joseph Church in Cumberland, RI, via stjosephashtonri.org.
