Father James M. Silva

James M. Silva Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1967

Status: Convicted / Indicted

Deceased: No

Assignment History

1967-1968: Jesus Saviour Church (Newport, RI)
1968-1969: St. Francis Xavier Church (East Providence, RI)
1969-1971: Jesus Saviour Church (Newport, RI)
1971-1972: St. Barnabas Church (Portsmouth, RI)
1971-1974: Regional CYO Newport County
1972-1974: St. Christopher Church (Tiverton, RI)
1974-1975: St. Mary Church (Bristol, RI)
1975-1976: St. Matthew Church (Cranston, RI)
1976-1980: St. Joseph Church (Pascoag, RI)
1980-1981: St. Lucy Church (Middletown, RI)
1981: Continuing Education and Spirituality, Diocese of Providence (Providence, RI)
1982: St. Mary Star of the Sea Church (Narragansett, RI)
1982-1983: SS. Peter and Paul Church (West Warwick, RI)
1983-1986: Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul (Providence, RI)
1986-1993: Office of Ministerial Formation (Providence, RI)
1991: St. Joseph Hospital (Providence, RI)
1993: Removed from ministry / Laicized

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father James M. Silva

Father James M. Silva was ordained a priest in 1967 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for more than two decades. He served in numerous parish, youth, hospital, and diocesan roles, including the Regional CYO Newport County and the Office of Ministerial Formation.

According to the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy, Silva has been identified as credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. According to BishopAccountability.org, Silva was removed from ministry in 1993 after allegations of sexual abuse. Although Silva was later indicted following an investigation by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office and Rhode Island State Police, he does not appear to be included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy.

Allegations Against Father James M. Silva

According to BishopAccountability.org, two men filed suit against Silva in 1994, and seven more men later filed civil suits alleging that Silva sexually abused them as children in the 1960s through the 1980s. Criminal charges were also filed in 1994.

Silva admitted in court that he sexually abused a young man. He received a seven-year suspended sentence and was ordered to undergo counseling. Eight claims involving Silva were later settled by the Diocese of Providence as part of a $13.5 million mass settlement in 2002.

Criminal Case Against Father James M. Silva

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, Silva was indicted in 2021 on two counts of first-degree child molestation and nine counts of second-degree child molestation involving allegations that he sexually assaulted a male victim under the age of 14 between 1989 and 1990.

The alleged abuse occurred while Silva served as Interim Director and Assistant Director at the Office of Ministerial Formation within the Diocese of Providence.

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office stated that Silva previously pleaded guilty on March 16, 1995, to one count of second-degree sexual assault and received a seven-year suspended sentence with probation.

An indictment is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Diocese of Providence Response to Father James M. Silva Allegations

According to BishopAccountability.org, Silva was removed from ministry in 1993. The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office stated that Silva was laicized from the church in 1993.

Silva 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 Archdiocese of Santa Fe list in 2021, which noted that he had been at Via Coeli in Jemez Springs in 1981 and at a Jemez Springs parish.

Father James M. Silva and Institutional Failures

Silva’s case reflects concerns raised in clergy abuse cases involving repeated allegations, multiple transfers, and access to children through parish, youth, and diocesan assignments.

According to BishopAccountability.org, multiple civil claims involving Silva were resolved through the Diocese of Providence’s 2002 mass settlement. He was also later indicted following an investigation by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office and the Rhode Island State Police into clergy child sexual abuse allegations and the Diocese’s handling of those allegations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father James M. Silva

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 James M. Silva listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father James M. Silva was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in 2019. Based on the available source information, he does not appear to be included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy.

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 connected to the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island. 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 a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island 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 James M. Silva – Diocese of Providence