Brother John Walderman

John Walderman Christian Brother Diocese of Providence

Religious Order: Congregation of Christian Brothers (CFC)

Status: Accused / Criminal Charges Dismissed

Deceased: No

Assignment History

1971-1976: Blessed Sacrament High School (New York, NY)
1977-1982: Bishop Kearney High School (Rochester, NY)
1986: Bishop Hendricken High School (Warwick, RI), Principal
1987-1991: Cardinal Hayes High School (Bronx, NY)
1991-2001: Rice High School (Harlem, NY)
2001-2005: Edmund Rice Institute (Australia)
2005-2007: Rice High School (Harlem, NY), Principal

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Brother John Walderman

Brother John Walderman was a member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers and served as a religious order educator and school administrator at Catholic schools in New York, Rhode Island, and Australia, including Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Walderman was accused of sexual misconduct involving a minor while serving as principal of Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island.

In January 1986, Walderman was arrested and charged with soliciting sex from a 17-year-old male. The criminal charges were later dismissed in 1987.

Allegations and Criminal Case Involving Brother John Walderman

According to media reports, Walderman was arrested in January 1986 after East Providence police found him and a 17-year-old boy in a parked vehicle. He was charged with solicitation and transporting for prostitution.

At the time, Walderman was principal of Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick. Following the arrest, he requested a leave of absence from the school.

The criminal case was dismissed in 1987.

Later Ministry Assignments and Institutional Response

After the charges were dismissed, Walderman continued working in Catholic education.

According to media reports, he later served at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, Rice High School in Harlem, and the Edmund Rice Institute in Australia.

In 2007, the Congregation of Christian Brothers removed Walderman from ministry after receiving a letter referencing his 1986 arrest. The order stated that he was immediately removed while an investigation was conducted.

Questions were later raised about how Walderman was permitted to continue working with students after the 1986 arrest.

Brother John Walderman and Institutional Failures

Walderman’s case raises concerns about institutional oversight and the continued placement of individuals with allegations of sexual misconduct in positions involving children.

His case also highlights the unique role of religious orders, including the Christian Brothers, which operate schools and youth programs independently from diocesan priest assignments.

Institutions responsible for schools and youth programs have a duty to respond appropriately when allegations arise and to prioritize the safety of children.

Based on the available source information, Brother John Walderman does not appear to be included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy or the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brother John Walderman

Can I sue for sexual abuse by a priest or brother 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 a Catholic school or religious order be sued for sexual abuse in Rhode Island?

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

Was Brother John Walderman listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Based on the available source information, no. Brother John Walderman does not appear to be included on the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy. He was, however, the subject of a 1986 criminal case involving allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor while serving as principal of Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island.

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, brothers, religious order members, and other clergy in the Diocese of Providence. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest, brother, 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.

Brother John Walderman – Diocese of Providence