Father John F. Ferry

John F. Ferry Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1957

Status: Accused

Deceased: 1988

Assignment History

1957-1965: St. Rose of Lima Church (Warwick, RI)
1962-1965: Our Lady of Providence Seminary (Warwick, RI)
1965-1967: Assistant Editor, The Providence Visitor (Providence, RI)
1965-1967: St. Margaret Church (Rumford, RI)
1967-1973: Editor, The Providence Visitor (Providence, RI)
1967-1973: St. Margaret Home (Providence, RI)
1973-1988: St. Rose of Lima Church (Warwick, RI)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father John F. Ferry

Father John F. Ferry was ordained a priest in 1957 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for more than three decades. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Ferry has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct. He served in parish ministry, seminary ministry, and Catholic journalism, including as editor of The Providence Visitor, now known as Rhode Island Catholic.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Ferry died on April 11, 1988. His name was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in 2019.

Allegations Against Father John F. Ferry

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Ferry was accused of sexually abusing five teenage boys between the ages of 14 and 18 during the 1960s. The report states that Ferry allegedly provided the teens with alcohol before sexually abusing them.

The allegations involved Ferry’s time at Our Lady of Providence Seminary, The Providence Visitor, and parish ministry in the Diocese of Providence.

According to BishopAccountability.org, one man accused Ferry of drugging and sexually abusing him in the late 1960s, when the complainant was a high school student working at The Providence Visitor. The man alleged that Ferry was an editor of the diocesan newspaper at the time.

The complainant reportedly said that he told his father about the abuse, but that the incident was not reported. According to BishopAccountability.org, the complainant later wrote to the Diocese, and his letter was among more than 35 complaints from alleged clergy abuse victims that were forwarded to police.

The allegations against Ferry were not publicly reported until 2013, following an NBC 10 investigation. Ferry was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in 2019. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy and in the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father John F. Ferry

Can I sue for sexual abuse by a priest in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. You can bring a claim during this two-year window regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Because there is a deadline to file your claim, survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

How long do I have to sue for sexual abuse in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year window for certain older child sexual abuse claims beginning July 1, 2026. Claims must be filed by June 30, 2028. Survivors should not wait, because it may be necessary to gather relevant documents, investigate the claim, and determine the appropriate parties to sue.

Can the Diocese of Providence be sued for my sexual abuse by a priest?

Possibly. Survivors may have claims against the Diocese of Providence or another Catholic institution, including parishes and schools, if there is evidence that the institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to protect children. Horowitz Law attorneys can review the facts of your case and explain your legal options.

Was Father John F. Ferry listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father John F. Ferry was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy and in the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Rhode Island Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, for certain older child sexual abuse claims. Horowitz Law is bringing these lawsuits in Rhode Island and has collected evidence of the Diocese of Providence’s negligence. The revival window allows survivors of clergy sexual abuse to pursue claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. Filing deadlines will apply, so survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Horowitz Law Is Here to Help

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Providence. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence may have legal options due to Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window for certain child sexual abuse claims, but filing deadlines will apply, so do not delay in reaching out to us.

Father John F. Ferry – Diocese of Providence